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Occupational Health & Safety Resource Kit. Proudly brought to you by CEPU: NSW Telcommunications & Services Division |
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ensure workers undertake no more than two or three consecutive 12-hour shifts.
In addition, shift workers should have the same access as day workers to services such as counselling and the same opportunities for participation in training and meetings. Shift workers should have the same access as day workers to services such as counselling and the same opportunities for participation in training and meetings.
Workplace safety committee meetings should also be scheduled for those on evening and night shifts.
Solutions for workers The shiftworker can also take a number of steps to make living with shift work more bearable. Setting up the conditions for sleep is very important. Family, neighbours and friends need to know and understand the shift schedule. Let relatives and neighbours know about the work schedule. The bedroom must be dark and cool. Heavy curtains and sound insulation on the doors and windows can reduce noise levels. An air conditioner can mask minor noises from outside. An answering machine for the phone and lowering the ring tone may also be helpful. There should be a routine for waking up as well, just as there is for the average day-worker. |
Exercise Exercising is not an easy task because shift workers usually start the day exhausted and pressed for time. However, exercise can simply mean being active in general; for example, a walk around the neighbourhood for half an hour or a game of backyard soccer with the children. Exercise should be a part of every day life, but vigorous exercise should be avoided within the last two hours before bedtime. Diet is very important Shift workers should have three meals a day, at roughly the same time every day. The timing of meals can keep energy levels up, improve sleep and help the body adjust to the shiftwork schedule. Restrict the intake of caffeine, not only in coffee and tea, but in soft drinks too. Healthy snacks like fruit and fruit juice, raw vegetables and cheese are very good at home or at work. Family co-operation is crucial Stress seems a common problem in shift workers' lifestyle and a good home environment can help reduce stress. Useful hints to apply during shiftwork include:
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