Safely Managing
Compliance strategies and solutions for supervisory personnel
Dealing with the downside of shift work
It is no secret that shift work can contribute to serious health problems, both physical and mental. While shift work enables employers to maintain an efficient pace of work and provide access to goods and services throughout a 24-hour day, management practices are key to improving the health and safety of those who are doing the work.
Shift work interrupts what’s known as circadian rhythm, the body’s natural, 24-hour internal clock that regulates
n Know how to cope with toluene danger
n Facial hair could hinder respirator fit
n Proper machine guards are a must
sleep-wake cycles, hormone release and other bodily functions. Controlled by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the brain, this rhythm is influenced primarily by light and darkness, but is also affected by factors such as meals, temperature and activity.
Inadvertently falling asleep on the job has been found to be more likely during the night shift, while the probability of industrial and motor vehicle accidents peaks overnight and into the early-morning hours.
Studies show an association between shift work and cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity, type II diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbances, asthma, erectile dysfunction, menstrual irregularities, pregnancy complications, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer.
The non-traditional hours demanded of shift workers are associated with poor health habits, including physical inactivity, disruption of regular meal timing and increased snacking.
From a mental health perspective, shift work commonly leads to difficulty maintaining social and family involvement due to scheduling conflicts. Shift workers experience an increased prevalence of burnout, depression, anxiety, excessive sleepiness, insomnia, and suicidal tendencies.
The best solution to the problems of shift work would be to eliminate it, but this is not often practical.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) suggests there are two basic levels where improvements can be made:
• The organizational level, primarily through the design of shift schedules,
n Safety snippets
education and better facilities.
• The individual level, helping workers to get better sleep, a healthier diet, and the reduction of stress.
There are several important approaches for organizations, according to CCOHS.
Shift Schedule Design. Optimizing the design of the shift schedule is the most effective way of reducing health and safety problems. Satisfaction with a particular shift system is the result of a complicated balancing act that is the best compromise for personal, psychological, social and medical concerns.
Length of Rotation Period (the number of days on any one shift before switching to the next shift).
The optimum length of the rotation period has been disputed. The most common system has a rotation period of one week, with five to seven consecutive night shifts. However, since it generally takes at least seven days for adjustment of the circadian rhythms, it is argued that just as adjustment starts to occur, it is time to rotate to the next shift.
Some feel that a longer shift rotation should be arranged so that the worker spends from two weeks to one month on the same shift. This time that would allow circadian rhythms to adjust. Others suggest a rapid shift rotation where different shifts are worked every two to three days. This system may reduce disruption to body rhythms because the readjustment of circadian rhythms is minimized.
Direction of Shift Rotation. It is recommended that shifts rotate forward from day to afternoon to night because circadian rhythms adjust better when moving ahead than back.
Start and Finish Times. Early-morning shifts are associated with shorter sleep and greater fatigue. It is advisable to avoid shift start times as early as 5 or 6 a.m.
Length of Rest Between Shifts. It is recommended that a rest period of at least 24 hours occurs after each set of night shifts. The more consecutive nights worked, the more rest time should be allowed before the next rotation occurs.
Alternative Work Schedules. For example, extended work days of 10 or 12 hours have been used. It has the advantage of fewer consecutive night shifts and longer blocks of time off. However, the additional fatigue from long work hours may also have adverse effects. The physical and mental load of the task should be considered when selecting the length of a work shift.
Exposure to chemical or physical agents, as well as ergonomic hazards. should also be considered when selecting a shift system.
Shiftworkers should be informed of their schedules well ahead of time so they and their families and friends can plan activities. Allow as much flexibility as possible for shift changes. Keep schedules as simple and predictable as possible.
CCOHS says the provision of certain facilities can help the shiftworker cope better.
Give attention to the work environment. For example, good lighting and ventilation are important on all shifts. So workers at night can remain in contact with one another, do not widely separate workstations. Where possible, it suggests, provide rest facilities and healthy cafeteria services. Consider offering facilities for
Shiftworkers should be informed of their schedules well ahead of time so they and their families and friends can plan activities.
social activities and access to quality daycare for shiftworkers’ children.
Employees, meanwhile, need to know not just how shift work can affect their well-being but how to cope with the negative aspects.
The following guidelines can help them:
• Maintain regular eating patterns as much as possible. Balanced, varied meals are very important.
• Drink lots of water and eat the recommended balance of vegetables, fruit, lean meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, grains, and bread. Eat crackers, nuts, and fruit instead of pop and candy bars during work breaks. Reduce the intake of salt, caffeine, and alcohol. Avoid greasy foods, particularly at night.
• Avoid excessive use of antacids, tranquilizers, and sleeping pills.
• Sleep on a set schedule to help establish a routine and to make sleep during the day easier.
• Make sure family and friends are aware of and considerate of the worker’s sleep hours and needs. A shiftworker should have a comfortable, dark, quiet place to sleep during the day.
• Make time for quiet relaxation before bed to help get better sleep. Learn how to relax using muscle relaxation, breathing techniques and so on. If you still do not fall asleep after an hour, read a book or listen to quiet music for a while. If sleep still does not come, reschedule sleeping hours for later. Limit commitments later in the day to allow for napping.
Know how to cope with toluene danger
Toluene, a common solvent used in various industries, requires careful handling because of its health hazards and flammability.
A clear, colourless liquid that vaporizes when exposed to air at room temperature, toluene has a sharp and sweet smell, which is a sign of exposure. Aside from breathing it in, you can be exposed to toluene by getting it on your skin, splashed into your eyes or swallowing it.
Symptoms of toluene exposure include irritation of the eyes and nose, weakness, exhaustion, confusion, euphoria, dizziness, headache; dilated pupils, discharge of tears, anxiety, muscle fatigue, insomnia, numbness or tingling of the skin and dermatitis.
Toluene exposure also can cause liver and kidney damage.
Breathing high levels of toluene during pregnancy has been shown to result in children with birth defects and to retard mental abilities and growth.
There is evidence that exposure to toluene at work is associated with spontaneous abortion. High concentrations of toluene, usually from use in a confined space or unventilated area, can cause loss of consciousness, respiratory depression and death.
Long-term and repeated workplace exposure can affect the central nervous system. Substituting a safer material is seen as the best way to protect against toluene exposure.
For cleaning and degreasing applications, experts recommend using a water-based material that does not contain toluene. Use a waterbased paint or adhesive instead of toluene or solvent-based products. Substitute brush, roller or flow application for spray application. Where substitution is not feasible, ventilation is the most important protective measure to limit the inhalation of toluene vapours. Ventilation can be a combination of local exhaust, such as spray booths or
enclosing and exhausting processes where toluene is evaporating, and room ventilation to capture those vapours that escape containment.
Here are some more safety precautions:
• Use the smallest amount of the product that will get the job done.
• Make sure the room ventilation in the area workers are using the material provides the air volume required by your local building code.
• Spray application should be done in a spray booth with local exhaust ventilation and no ignition sources in the area.
• If the use of toluene or materials containing toluene causes wetting of the hands, impervious gloves should be used. Toluene is likely coming in contact with workers’ skin if the gloves used to protect against toluene wear out quickly, get holes or become discoloured. Neoprene or nitrile gloves are preferred.
• Keep all sources of ignition, including open flames, sparks, and smoking
materials, away from areas where toluene is used or stored.
• Store toluene in a cool, wellventilated area away from heat, sparks and flames. Use appropriate containers that are tightly sealed.
• Avoid storing toluene near oxidizing agents or strong acids as it can react violently.
• Have spill kits readily available in case of accidental spills. Absorbent materials such as vermiculite or spill pillows can be used for containment and clean-up.
• Immediately report large spills or leaks to the appropriate personnel and evacuate the area if necessary.
• Use appropriate handling equipment such as drum pumps or funnels to transfer toluene between containers. Avoid dropping or mishandling containers.
• Label all containers clearly with the contents and appropriate hazard warnings.
ManagementTips
Facial hair could hinder respirator fit
Proper respirator fit is crucial for ensuring that the user is adequately protected from airborne contaminants.
Facial hair can compromise the fit and effectiveness of a respirator, particularly in areas where its seal makes contact with the face, such as the chin, cheeks and jawline.
There are two main types of respirators — tight-fitting and loosefitting. The former include N95 respirators and elastomeric half-face or full-face respirators. They require a tight seal in order to function properly.
Loose-fitting respirators include powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) with hoods or helmets and do not rely on a tight seal to the face and are generally more tolerant of facial hair.
Respirators are evaluated, tested, and certified by agencies approved by Health Canada, such as the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Certified respirators must pass minimum performance requirements, such as fit testing, filter efficiency and breathing resistance.
Testing a respirator’s seal is not a one-time proposition. Whenever a respirator is worn, you must check that it is sealing properly to the face. Do not wear a respirator that does not seal properly.
Not all respirators will allow the wearer to temporarily block the inlet openings or valves, but these checks should be done whenever possible:
Negative pressure seal check
These can be done on air-purifying and other respirators with a tightfitting facepiece.
• Put on the respirator.
• Close or block the inlet opening(s) of the respirator so that when you inhale, no air enters the facepiece.
• Gently inhale, and hold your breath for at least 5 seconds.
• The facepiece should collapse (“squish in”) slightly on your face.
• If the facepiece remains collapsed while you hold your breath, the seal check is successful.
• If the facepiece does not remain collapsed, check that nothing is obstructing (blocking) the sealing surface, adjust the facepiece and harness, and repeat the user seal check.
Positive pressure seal check
These can be done with respirators equipped with tight-fitting facepieces that have both inhalation and exhalation valves.
• Put on the respirator.
• Close or block the exhalation valve or breathing tube, or both.
• Exhale gently.
• The respirator should expand (“puff out”) slightly.
• If a slight positive pressure can be maintained inside the facepiece without noticing any air leaking for 5 seconds, the seal check is successful.
• If a slight positive pressure does not occur, check that nothing is obstructing (blocking) the sealing surface, adjust the facepiece and harness, and repeat the user seal check.
It’s not just a full beard or moustache that can interfere with a respirator’s effectiveness. Stubble also can prevent formation of a good seal. Although you might have been cleanshaven at the start of your shift, it could be necessary to shave again during your shift if growth creates room for contaminants to enter the mask.
Stubble can seem small, but is huge when compared with dust, mist, fibres, fume particles, and gas and vapour molecules.
SuperCompliance
Proper machine guards are a must
Inadequate machine guarding is among the most common safety violations in workplaces, especially those that rely on heavy machinery.
According to Statistics Canada, machine-related incidents account for about a third of all job-related injuries in this country.
To prevent these incidents, employers must ensure that all machines have guarding systems that meet regulatory standards. Failure to do so frequently results in serious penalties.
A truss manufacturing firm in British Columbia was fined $49,995.80 after a worker was seriously injured by a component saw. Investigation determined that one of the distancing guards on the saw had been modified and had reduced the reach distance between the worker and the blade. The firm admitted failing to ensure its machinery and equipment were fitted with adequate safeguards to protect workers from hazardous points of operation. This was deemed a high-risk violation.
A CNC (Computer Numerical Control) operator working for an Alberta company making kitchen cabinets received serious injuries after slipping and catching a hand in an automated wood cutting tool. A damaged pressure-sensitive mat safeguard had been bypassed to allow operation of the CNC machine. The company was fined $75,000 plus a victim fine surcharge.
An Ontario cracker and snack manufacturer was fined $100,000 after a worker was severely injured by unguarded equipment. While stationed at a production line the worker noticed dough accumulating in a roller and attempted to dislodge it as the machine was operating by using a tool that could fit through an opening in the mesh cover guard that prevented access to the machine’s pinch point.
When that failed, the worker lifted the hinged cover guard, reached into the area to remove the dough and got caught in the pinch point.
The guard was equipped with an interlock switch that was supposed to automatically stop the machine when it was lifted, to prevent injury. However, four days prior the maintenance supervisor had directed a bypass to be installed, allowing the guard to be lifted without stopping the machine. The interlock had been malfunctioning, preventing the machine from running smoothly.
A danger sign was placed on the guard to remind workers about the bypass.
Manufacturer’s documentation for the machine stated that its interlocks and guards should not be bypassed. The employer was found to have violated a section of the province’s
Occupational Health and Safety Act by failing to ensure an in-running nip hazard was equipped with a guard or other device that prevents access to the pinch point.
The company had a prior conviction relating to a worker being injured by unguarded equipment.
Machine violations often occur because employers neglect regular inspections or maintenance of safety guards, which can compromise their functionality.Additionally, workers who remove or bypass safety guards to speed up their work might be unaware of the risks to which they expose themselves.
In some cases, employers overlook or fail to install the necessary physical barriers or devices due to insufficient knowledge of safety regulations or a lack of investment in appropriate safety equipment.
Don’t ignore shoulder injuries
Shoulder injuries can seriously affect a worker’s life.
Pain is the most common symptom of a shoulder injury, with other symptoms including stiffness, a “locking” sensation, and numbness or tingling down the arm.
Ignoring the pain of a shoulder injury – as some people tend to do – or underestimating the extent of the injury can be a bad idea. Instead, encourage your workers to consult a medical professional if they believe they’ve injured a shoulder.
You can also share these tips to help
prevent shoulder injuries on the job:
• Ensure a chair provides proper support, and sit as far back as possible in it.
• Make sure a computer monitor is directly in front of the operator and within reach of their fingertips.
• Take regular breaks to stretch and walk around.
• Use caution when performing even mildly exertive lifting. Keep the back as straight as possibly by bending and using the legs for lifting power.
• Refrain from reaching for heavy objects. Instead, use a step stool to retrieve items up high.
It is recommended that employers conduct workplace evaluations, implement appropriate control measures when possible and train employees on how to prevent shoulder injuries.
Chemicals and hearing loss
Exposure to certain chemicals at work can result in hearing loss. Those chemicals are called ototoxicants.
Examples include solvents, nitriles, pesticides and asphyxiants. Workers may breathe them in during their day, consume food or drink something that has been exposed, or absorb them through the skin.
Hearing loss caused by exposure varies, based on these three elements: exposure frequency, the strength of the chemical and duration of exposure.
Once someone is exposed, chemicals can travel through the bloodstream. Then they injure the inner ear and damage the nerves that transmit
information to the brain.
One way to identify ototoxicants in the workplace is by reviewing safety data sheets.
If ototoxicants are found, employers should:
• Train employees on working safely with and around these chemicals.
• Replace ototoxicants with a less toxic chemical.
• Improve ventilation in the work environment.
• Provide workers with protective clothing, such as chemical-protective gloves, arm sleeves and aprons.
• Supply a respirator and hearing protection.
About needlesticks and sharps
Needlestick injuries are wounds caused by needles that unintentionally puncture the skin while they are being used, disassembled or disposed of.
“Sharps,” meanwhile, include needles as well as any object that is able to cut the skin, from scalpels and razor blades to staples and glass items.
Infected needlesticks and sharps can transmit infectious diseases, especially bloodborne pathogens (germs such as viruses that cause disease). Concerns include the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which leads to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
Match footwear to hazards
Footwear that is made to be worn in one condition or season may not be effective in other situations.
Slip, trip and fall hazards can occur in:
• Transition areas between the outside and the inside (uneven or slippery floor surfaces).
• While products are being unloaded (empty pallets, debris or spills).
• While working at heights (using ladders or getting into or out of a vehicle).
• While going from one part of the workplace to another.
Common slip, trip, and fall conditions that footwear must be able to protect against are:
Wet. Soft rubber soles will offer the best slip resistance on slippery surfaces. A 38cm (15 inch) rise may allow for lower leg protection and prevent water from entering into the boot. Waterproof or water resistant materials are recommended, such as rubber, polyurethane or leather.
Extreme weather. Some boots have thermal polyurethane soles that don’t become brittle in cold temperatures and offer better traction, similar to a winter tire. Insulating liners can be removed if it becomes wet or if it is too hot to wear.
Snow and ice. An aggressive tread and sole pattern may increase traction.
SafetyMeeting
Preparing for shift work hazards
There are many occupations that require work other than during a standard work day, which is considered to be between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Shift work can be defined as being outside of these “normal” hours.
While some individuals work shifts because they choose to, many do so because they must. In either case, it is important to understand there are some hazards involved.
Shift work examples include:
• Evening schedule (begin after 3 p.m. and end before midnight).
• Night schedule (begin after 11 p.m. and end before 11 a.m.).
• Rotating shift schedule (day, afternoon/evening, night).
• Split (two scheduled periods of work each day).
• On call.
• Irregular schedule.
The main hazard of shift work is that it disrupts a person’s circadian rhythm. This 24-hour cycle regulates sleeping, waking, digestion, secretion of adrenalin, body temperature, blood pressure, pulse and other important body functions, as well as human behavior.
Constantly changing schedules can cause sleep deprivation and disorders of the gastrointestinal and
cardiovascular systems, make existing disorders worse, and disrupt family and social life.
Not only are there potential health problems, but there also are hazards in the workplace, such as:
• Inability to focus, which can lead to mistakes and thus injuries occurring on the job.
• Fatigue, a major issue in the workplace.
• Violence. In some industries, there can be an increased likelihood of violence at night (such as robberies).
• Stress, due to health issues or not seeing family.
The difficulties of shift work stem from the change in sleeping, eating and working patterns.
The following guidelines can help people manage better.
Sleep
Establish a sleep schedule in a quiet, dark and comfortable place. Make sure you get an adequate amount of sleep. Family and friends should be aware of and considerate of your sleep
hours and needs. Air conditioning, a telephone answering machine or cell phones set to “do not disturb”, and good blinds on windows are recommended.
Make time for quiet relaxation before bed. Learn how to relax using muscle relaxation and breathing techniques. If you still do not fall asleep after an hour, read a book or listen to quiet music for a while. If sleep still does not come, reschedule sleeping hours for later. Limit commitments later in the day to allow for napping.
Diet
Maintain regular eating patterns. Afternoon/ evening workers should eat at dinner time rather than the middle of their shift. Night workers should eat lightly through the shift. Avoid heavy meals before sleep. Drink water and avoid caffeine, alcohol, junk food and fast food. Eat the recommended balance of vegetables, fruit, lean meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, grains, and bread. Eat crackers, nuts, and fruit instead of pop and candy bars during work breaks. Avoid excessive use of antacids, tranquilizers, and sleeping pills. It is healthier to watch what and when you eat, and use relaxation techniques to aid sleep.
Family and social activities
Schedule time with family/friends. Work on communication skills (ie. texting to increase contact with family and friends). Stay active physically and mentally. Learn how to recognize and reduce stress through fitness, relaxation techniques and so on. Take leisure seriously.
Preparing for shift work hazards
The Quiz
These questions are meant to help you remember what was discussed today — not to test your patience or challenge your intelligence. The answers are at the bottom of the page. Cover them up, and complete the quiz as quickly as you can.
Shift work is generally considered to be done outside the standard work day of 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
True False
Is the 24-hour cycle that regulates many body functions referred to as the Circuitous Rhythm?
Yes No
3
4
Which of these are problems that can be caused by constantly changing work schedules?
A. Sleep deprivation.
B. Disorders of the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems.
C. Disruption of family and social life.
D. Stress.
E. All of the above.
Shift work can cause fatigue, which in turn can result in difficulty focusing and lead to hazardous mistakes.
True False
Which of these are ways to get an adequate amount of sleep between shifts? 5
A. Sleep in a quiet, dark and comfortable place.
B. Set telephone answering machine or cell phones to “do not disturb.”
C. Make time for quiet relaxation before bed.
D. If you still do not fall asleep after an hour, read a book or listen to quiet music for a while
E. All of the above.
Is eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep a problem for you?
Yes No
Don’t Know
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Hold These Thoughts !
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has designated shift work involving circadian rhythm disruption as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” In its findings, the IARC cited studies of nurses and female flight attendants who developed excess levels of breast cancer. Studies have also found elevated risks of prostate, colorectal and endometrial cancers for shift workers.
In 2009, the Danish National Board of Industrial Injuries became the first compensation system in the world to recognize the link between working night shifts and the development of breast cancer. It is suggested a few biological mechanisms are responsible for the elevated cancer risk, including the suppression of melatonin production due to exposure to light at night. Melatonin is a hormone normally produced in the body at night. Disruption of the circadian gene function is another possibility.
Studies also suggest low levels of melatonin may either stimulate the growth of cancerous cells in the breast or encourage the production of higher levels of estrogen — a known promoter of breast cancer.
Many studies show that men have a better tolerance for shift work than women. Other studies reveal that extroverts handle shift work a little better than introverts. Recent polls show that 20 percent of shift workers don’t have a problem with their work hours. Although 60 percent have a problem with shift work, this doesn’t prevent them from doing their jobs. Another 20 percent have a severe problem with shift work, and half of these workers can’t tolerate doing shift work.