Educational and intervention strategies for improving a shift system: an experience in a disabled persons' facility

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Ergonomics
• Industrial Psychology

Background:

• Irregular three-shift systems with anti-clockwise rotation can cause worker fatigue, low back pain, and sleep disturbances.
• A disabled persons' facility reported issues with a 42-hour/week shift system, prompting management-labour discussions.
• Worker complaints included physical fatigue, high prevalence of low back pain, sleep deprivation, and irregular holidays.

Purpose of the Study:

• To improve an irregular three-shift work system through a collaborative intervention.
• To address worker complaints regarding physical fatigue, pain, sleep issues, and holiday irregularities.
• To design, implement, and evaluate improved shift rotation schemes.

Main Methods:

• A participatory intervention program involving group study, joint planning, and feedback.
• Methods included time study, questionnaires, and physiological assessments to analyze the existing system.
• Development of alternative shift schemes with more regular, clockwise rotation.

Main Results:

• The intervention led to the planning of alternative shift schemes with clockwise rotation.
• A trial period for shorter working hours was agreed upon.
• The process highlighted the effectiveness of stepwise intervention and participatory approaches.

Conclusions:

• Collaborative, stepwise interventions are crucial for improving shift work systems.
• Addressing a broad range of working life and health issues enhances worker well-being.
• Participatory processes involving management and labor unions are key to successful system improvements.