Industrial accident experience of one company on 8- and 12-hour shift systems.
The accident reports of a company were analyzed for 10 years before and after change from 8- to 12-hour shifts. Age-sex standardized ratios were calculated for each year for on- and off-the-job accidents by severity. Times of occurrence of on-the-job accidents were also examined. Overall accident rates were reduced on the 12-hour shift schedule, but statistical significance was reached only for lower accident categories. Off-the-job injuries increased on the 12-hour shift. There were significant gender differences in accident rates on 8-hour but not 12-hour shifts. A distinct circadian pattern of accident frequency was observed. We concluded that the introduction of a 12-hour shift system did not result in increased accidents.
Occupational Health Centre, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
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D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009864:Ontario; D012737:Sex Factors; D014940:Work Schedule Tolerance