The "Goldilocks model" of overtime in construction: not too much, not too little, but just right.
OBJECTIVE
Little research exists on the relationship between working overtime and possible adverse health and safety outcomes for construction workers.


METHODS
Five focus-group discussions were conducted with construction workers from around the United States. From the analyzed transcripts, a model of overtime was developed.


RESULTS
The model includes three dominant themes: (1) work organization issues [(a) definitions of overtime, (b) scheduling, and (c) economic conditions], (2) why workers choose to work overtime [(a) management expectations, (b) career, and (c) money], and (3) the effects of working overtime [(a) health and safety, including sleep deprivation, injury, fatigue, and stress, and (b) productivity].


CONCLUSIONS
Health and safety is only one of the adverse outcomes related to working too much overtime. A list of worker-inspired recommendations for addressing overtime issues is provided.


CONCLUSIONS
Both employers and workers need to better understand the potential adverse effects of working too much overtime.
Institute for Health Policy and Health Services Research, Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0552, USA. GOLDENLA@UCMAIL.UC.EDU
Linda M
LM
Goldenhar
Steven
S
Hecker
Susan
S
Moir
John
J
Rosecrance
D005160:Facility Design and Construction; D005221:Fatigue; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D016272:Occupational Health; D014481:United States; D014940:Work Schedule Tolerance; D000078329:Workforce