[Medical surveillance for shift and night work].

Area of Science:

• Occupational health and safety
• Public health
• Chronobiology

Context:

• Shift and night work are prevalent globally, impacting numerous industries.
• These work schedules are associated with a broad spectrum of health issues and safety concerns.
• Existing literature highlights the detrimental effects on cardiovascular, mental, and overall well-being.

Purpose:

• To emphasize the critical role of occupational health physicians in evaluating worker fitness for shift and night work.
• To advocate for ergonomic criteria in designing shift schedules to minimize health risks.
• To highlight the importance of regular health monitoring for early detection of intolerance.

Summary:

• Shift and night work are established risk factors for serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, mental disorders, and accidents.
• Occupational health physicians must conduct pre-assignment evaluations, regular check-ups, and assessments when health issues arise.
• Job analysis and ergonomic scheduling are crucial for reducing health problems and enabling adaptation to irregular hours, even for individuals with contraindications.

Impact:

• Proactive health assessments and ergonomic schedule adjustments can significantly reduce the incidence of shift work-related illnesses.
• Early detection of intolerance through targeted health checks can prevent serious health consequences.
• Improved occupational health strategies contribute to a safer and healthier workforce, mitigating public health burdens.