Driving after Night Shift Is Dangerous
Various studies have shown the increased
health and safety risks faced
by workers who do shift work, especially
those who work at night. Other
studies have confirmed that fatigue is
a significant factor in accidents.
A recent study from the Liberty Mutual
Research Institute for Safety highlights
the dangers of driving following night
shift work. In the study, nearly 40 percent
of drivers who operated a vehicle after
working the night shift were involved in
one or more near-crash accidents.
Following a night shift, drivers are
more likely to experience
• episodes of prolonged blinking;
• frequent slow eye movements; and
• twice the number of lane
departures.
One way for organizations to prevent
drowsy driving by night shift and other
workers is through a fatigue management
system. Employers need to educate
their workers, and I would suggest
they provide you with a notice on recognizing
signs of fatigue.
If you have any questions, speak to a
member of your health and safety committee
or contact your representative