Shift work health problems, In the modern business world, it has become an important topic that affects both employee health and workplace productivity. Especially 24/7 service The health problems faced by individuals working in sectors that provide health services should be addressed not only as an individual but also as a social issue.
Shift work, is a system that aims to provide uninterrupted production or service by dividing the workforce into different time periods. It is quite common in sectors such as industry, health, security, transportation and logistics. While this system provides operational continuity and cost advantages for the employer, it can pose serious physical and psychological risks for employees.
Shift work health problems, It brings with it many negative effects such as sleep disorders, stress, weakened immune system. Over time, this can lead to work accidents, loss of productivity and long-term illnesses. Therefore, the effects of the shift system on health must be evaluated with a professional approach.
SÜRMEN OSGB, offers comprehensive solutions to minimize the health risks faced by individuals working in shift systems. It secures both employees and employers with periodic health checks, risk analyzes and awareness-raising activities.
Istanbul OSGB If you are in search of companies, you can contact Sürmen OSGB immediately. Communicationswitch to.
Physiological Health Problems of Shift Work
Shift work health problems The first problems that come to mind are usually physical ailments. The human body is biologically programmed to be active during the day and rest at night. However, the shift system disrupts this natural rhythm and causes various physiological problems.
Biological ClockDegradation of
The biological clock, called the circadian rhythm, regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Shift changes disrupt this cycle and cause the body to lose its balance. Problems such as difficulty transitioning to sleep, frequent awakenings and lack of rest directly affect employee performance.
Sleep Disorders and Chronic Fatigue
People who work night shifts often do not get quality sleep. In the long term, this leads to chronic fatigue, lack of attention and a weakened immune system. Lack of sleep can also lead to more serious health problems such as heart disease and hypertension.
Digestive System Problems
Irregular meal times, the habit of eating at night and fast snacking negatively affect the gastrointestinal system. Complaints such as reflux, gastritis and lazy bowel are common in shift workers.
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Problems
Long-term shift work increases the risk of obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. These problems have a negative impact not only on the health of the individual, but also on productivity in the workplace.
SÜRMEN OSGB, The Health and Safety Organization provides comprehensive health care services for the early detection and prevention of such physiological health problems. Regular health check-ups for shift workers are essential to reduce potential risks.
Psychological and Mental Health Problems
Shift work health problems, The effects are not limited to physiological effects, but also have serious consequences on psychological and mental health. Workers who are exposed to long shifts may experience a deterioration in mental balance over time, which can negatively affect both individual quality of life and work performance.
Increased Stress and Anxiety
Shift work health problems One of the most common situations is increased stress levels. Inadequate rest and withdrawal from social life can lead workers into chronic stress. This can lead to emotional reactions such as intolerance, irritability and constant tension.
Depression and Burnout
Irregular and ever-changing working hours challenge the mental balance of individuals. Not being able to spend time with family and experiencing a breakdown in social relations increase the risk of loneliness and depression. Shift work health problems, can have serious consequences in the long run, such as burnout syndrome.
Concentration and Attention Problems
Mental fatigue and lack of sleep shorten concentration time and weaken decision-making. These types of shift work health problems, can jeopardize both the safety of employees themselves and the safety of their teammates.
Social Isolation and Disruption in Family Life
Shift work health problems, limits individuals' participation in social life. Social isolation may develop due to reasons such as not being able to live in the same time zone with family members and not being able to participate in social activities. This creates psychological loneliness and lack of belonging.
SÜRMEN OSGB, are aware of such psychosocial risks and shift work health problems and offers special assessments for employees struggling with mental health issues. Mental health is supported and a productive working environment is created through trainings, psychological support mechanisms and awareness programs for institutions.
Key Risks of the Night Shift
Night shift health risk, has become more visible with scientific studies in recent years. The human body is biologically programmed to sleep and rest at night. Working against this natural cycle can cause fatigue and sleep problems in the short term and serious health problems in the long term.
Deterioration of Sleep Quality
For individuals working night shifts, sleeping during daylight hours significantly reduces sleep quality. Sleep is interrupted by noise, daylight and social activity and the body cannot fully rest. This weakens the immune system and reduces resistance to diseases.
Melatonin Secretion and the Immune System
Melatonin is a hormone secreted at dusk that maintains the body's natural sleep patterns. Melatonin production decreases in individuals who work at night, which directly affects the immune system. With low melatonin levels; problems such as susceptibility to infections, chronic fatigue and weakened cellular defenses occur.
Cancer Risk and Scientific Findings
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified night shift work as a “probable carcinogen”. There are several studies linking night shifts to breast and prostate cancer in particular. This means that night shift health risks is not just a hypothesis, but a serious public health issue.
SÜRMEN OSGB, aims to minimize these risks by regularly monitoring the health of personnel working on the night shift. It offers an approach that prioritizes the safety of employees with tailor-made solutions, training programs and professional health services.
Work Accidents and Productivity Issues
Shift work health problems, It is not limited to individual discomfort; it also directly affects overall safety and productivity in the workplace. In particular, irregular sleep and mental fatigue lead to serious weakening of workers' reflexes and decision-making skills. This leads to an increase in work accidents and a decrease in productivity.
Distraction and Loss of Reflexes
A worker who does not get enough rest has a shorter attention span and is more likely to make mistakes even in simple tasks. Reaction times slow down and this can have serious consequences, especially in workplaces with dangerous machinery. Most accidents occur towards the end of a shift when fatigue is at its highest.
Burnout and Poor Performance
Physical and mental burnout is frequently seen in shift workers. Problems such as constant lack of energy, inability to focus on work, and difficulty in completing tasks reduce employee motivation, decrease productivity and negatively affect work quality.
Labor Loss and Costs
Employee absenteeism increases due to work accidents or health problems. This leads to loss of labor, disruption of work and additional costs for businesses. Employee turnover also increases, which prolongs new staff training and adaptation processes.
SÜRMEN OSGB, helps prevent occupational accidents and increase employee productivity with consultancy services tailored to employers. It supports both safety and sustainable productivity in the workplace with risk assessments, shift planning recommendations and periodic health follow-ups.
SÜRMEN OSGB's Services for Shift Workers
Shift work health problems, are risks that not only need to be identified but also need to be effectively prevented. At this point, it is of great importance for employers to seek professional support, both to protect employee health and to maintain order in the workplace. SÜRMEN OSGB, offers comprehensive solutions for businesses working with shift systems.
Periodic Health Examinations
The health status of shift workers can change frequently due to changing working hours. SÜRMEN OSGB, To be able to recognize these changes in time, periodic examinations are carried out and risks are identified early on.
Psychosocial Risk Assessments
The psychological effects of shift work should not be ignored. SÜRMEN OSGB, assesses the psychological resilience of employees, analyzes sources of stress and implements in-house awareness activities.
Training and Awareness Programs
Raising awareness among employees about the health risks they may face in shift work makes a big difference as a preventive step. In this direction SÜRMEN OSGB, organizes regular trainings and seminars at workplaces, informing both employees and managers.
Shift Planning Consultancy
Providing specialized consulting services for the effective and health-friendly implementation of the shift system SÜRMEN OSGB, The program provides guidance to employers on issues such as the shift cycle, rest periods and the rotational working model.
Early Intervention and Loss Prevention
Early diagnosis prevents health problems from becoming chronic. SÜRMEN OSGB, continuously monitors the health of employees with health checks, analyzes and expert reports and minimizes the loss of workforce.
Problems Reduced if Shift Work is Managed Consciously
Shift work health problems, can lead to serious consequences that cannot be ignored in workforce planning. These effects, ranging from sleep disorders to heart diseases, from mental burnout to work accidents, threaten both employee health and business performance. However, conscious management of this system with all its risks can significantly reduce the negativity.
The basic building blocks of this process are for employers to regularly monitor the health status of their employees, ergonomize shift planning and utilize preventive health services. Employees also need to be aware of personal care, sleep patterns and stress management.
SÜRMEN OSGB, offers both a preventive and solution-oriented approach to the health problems faced by shift workers. With its expert staff, on-site service understanding and sectoral experience, it ensures the sustainability of both health and safety in workplaces.
It should not be forgotten that healthy individuals are the foundation of strong businesses. Shift work health problems, With the right management, productivity and employee satisfaction can be taken under control and productivity and employee satisfaction can be increased together.