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Abstract
Based on the findings of a recently published Liberty Mutual Research Institute study modeling the impact of the components of long work hours on injuries and accidents, the loss prevention group developed a program to assess worker injury risk based on such work scheduling factors as time of day, hours per shift, number of consecutive shifts and time between rest breaks. The program addresses shiftwork problems. One way to combat these problems is to evaluate the combined effect of work scheduling factors rather than to just limit total work hours. If you are contemplating adding overtime or expanding shifts, several guidelines will help you build a safer shiftwork schedule. For example, establish maximum limits for days and nights worked per week, including overtime. Whatever approach you take to scheduling shiftwork, a very important component is worker involvement. You should solicit worker feedback in the scheduling process rather than handing down a mandatory schedule.