Citation

Hornberger S, Knauth P. Int. J. Ind. Ergonomics 1998; 21(3-4): 249-257.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

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Abstract

In 1989-1991, our research team accompanied a pilot project concerning changes in shift schedules in an extensive longitudinal study in the chemical industry. The first questionnaire study was carried out under the old shift systems and the second about 7-9 months after the change to new shift schedules. In November 1994, 4.5 yr after the change, we carried out the third questionnaire study in a subgroup of 132 shiftworkers participating in the pilot project, of which 50 subjects had participated in all three surveys. The aim was to investigate the long-term development in the effects of the change in shift systems and in the attitude of the shiftworkers towards the shift system. About 7-9 months after the change in shift schedule, improvements were measured by fatigue, sleep disturbances and in certain aspects of family and social life. It was found that the shiftworkers appreciated the fast shift rotation, and at the end of the pilot phase, 98% of them voted in favour of the new shift system. After 4.5 yr, improvements were measured in the attitude of the subjects toward the irregularity of the shift schedule. Impairments were observed regarding neuro-vegetative disturbances and sleep disturbances on afternoon shift days. The attitude of the subjects toward the backward shift rotation had worsened. These results support ergonomic recommendations for the design of shift systems.Relevance to industryThe results of this study support ergonomic recommendations for the design of shift systems. By the application of these recommendations, shiftwork-related health disturbances, diminished well-being and disturbances in social and family life can be lessened.