Shiftwork and health risks: possibilities for prevention
Health Council of the Netherlands
Record ID 32016000066
English
Authors' recommendations:
In order to prevent health problems arising from night working, the committee advises minimising night work. Such a policy is in line with the occupational health and safety strategy of removing the causes of health problems.
Insofar as night work is unavoidable, the following advice applies. Where the prevention of short-term problems is concerned, the committee concludes that the available research evidence is not very strong. Nevertheless, the committee expects that forward-rotating shift schedules are likely to have the least adverse effect on alertness and sleep quality. In addition, the introduction of naps during night shifts may reduce drowsiness. However, the committee cannot determine from the available research data what nap timing and duration are likely to have the most beneficial effect. With respect to changes in the exposure to light and the use to medication of other substances, the committee advices against these interventions as a preventive measure.
Much remains uncertain about the prevention of long-term problems. It is not known whether any of the interventions referred to above will be effective in the longer term. Nor is it apparent whether the prevention or reduction of short-term problems, such as drowsiness, sleep quality impairment and fatigue, is associated
with the prevention or reduction of potential long-term effects. The committee therefore emphasises the importance of monitoring and following up the health of night workers (periodic occupational health examinations).
Details
Project Status:
Completed
Year Published:
2015
URL for published report:
http://www.gezondheidsraad.nl/sites/default/files/summary_201525_nachtwerk_en_gezondheidsrisicos.pdf
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Not Assigned
Country:
Netherlands
MeSH Terms
- Humans
- Risk
- Work Schedule Tolerance
- Occupational Health
- Sleep Stages
- Safety
Contact
Organisation Name:
Health Council of the Netherlands Gezondheidsraad
Contact Address:
Postbus 16052, 2500 BB Den Haag, The Netherlands. Tel: +31 70 340 7520;Fax: +31 70 340 7523
Contact Name:
info@gr.nl
Contact Email:
info@gr.nl
Copyright:
Health Council of the Netherlands
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