Consider Providing Services That Help Workers Work Long Hours Temporarily
When long work hours are not avoidable, some services can reduce non-work demands on workers so they can devote their time off to rest and sleep.
Consider providing these:
- Healthy foods and drinks at the worksite (see ‘Diet’ in Section VI for recommended foods)
- Rooms to sleep close to the worksite
- Comfortable uniforms and laundering of clothes
- Child care
- Transportation to sleeping rooms
- Counseling and healthcare
- Recreation equipment and supplies
Ask your staff what other services might be helpful.
- Avoid pressuring workers to work extra shifts. Longer shifts are associated with increased errors and injuries.
- Promote education of your staff about sleep and strategies to reduce risks associated with long work hours. Include this information in orientation for new employees.