Shift
Work Schedule
Regarding the previously
used rotating shift schedule, there are many issues that arise as a result of
the structure. This original schedule utilizes four teams rotating three eight
hour shifts with a half hour turnover, working six days on and three days off.
This pattern may lead to excessive fatigue, as crew members are required to
work several continuous days and change shifts every week. This leaves little time to spend with
families, gives very little chance of having a weekend off, and cuts into training.
On the pro side, this schedule does allow each team member to rotate shifts
more frequently, allowing for less time on the less desirable shifts.
Using a re-designed shift
schedule, the aim of reducing sleep issues and fatigue may be realized. The changes
to the shift schedules include the elimination of the third shift, reductions
of days worked in a month, reduction of continuous days worked, and an increase
in the number of days off each month. Additionally, the changes allow for some
added stability as the crew members have the opportunity to stay on a single
shift for the entire month, hopefully allowing them to become more accustomed
to the shift. Rotating shifts disrupts the crew member’s circadian rhythms and
can increase fatigue effects.
The new shift schedule
structure will be comprised of four teams, each of which is tasked to work a
twelve hour shift. Teams one and three will work night shift from 7:30 PM to
8:00 AM (30 minutes turnover at the beginning of the shift), alternating on when
the other team is off. Team two and four will work day shift from 7:30 AM to
8:00 PM (30 minutes turnover at the beginning of the shift), also alternating
on when the other team is off. Each team will stay on their assigned shift for
one month, and will then switch to the other shift at the beginning of the next
month. The new shift works 2 on, 2 off, 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, three off. In any
given month, this will allow each team to work approximately 14-16 days.
While this new schedule will
most definitely improve the quality of life for the crew members and their work
life balance, it may also significantly reduce some of the safety issues that
are experienced during turnovers. As one of the shifts is removed from this new
schedule, there are fewer turnovers that need to happen each day, and less
information that has the possibility to get lost in a turnover.
Unfortunately, as fatigue is
linked with shift work, the nightshift will experience issues with fatigue, and
will require adjustment to maintain awareness. Circadian rhythms are aligned
with a natural night sleep schedule, so disturbing this will negatively affect
fatigue (Price, 2011). Allowing for fewer consecutive shifts should allow for a
reduction of this fatigue and allow crew members the ability to adapt
accordingly.
One potential issue with
both of these schedules is with how to insert ancillary and proficiency
training into the work schedules. One option with the refined schedule is to
take the third day off at the end of the 2-2-3-2-2-3 schedule and use that as a
training day.
References
Price,
M. (2011). The risks of night work. American Psychological Association, 42(1).
Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/01/night-work.aspx
No comments:
Post a Comment