Trying to increase machine utilisation to reduce costs can have a negative influence on logging workers. The FRA provides
guidance for extended working hours.
22 logging business owners who used shift work were interviewed. Of the 22, most businesses operated two shifts per day. The average shift length was 10.5 hours for the day shift and 9.5 hours for the night shift. The research showed many challenges associated with extended working hours, such as increased worker turnover (especially during the implementation phase), fatigue, mental burnout, physical illness due to a lack of exercise and social problems (such as work-home conflict). The researchers identified the following points to reduce the negative aspects of extended working hours:
This research was published as Forest Resource Association Technical Release 10-R-20 (August 2010). The authors were D Mitchell and T Gallagher. Source: http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/36342
guidance for extended working hours.22 logging business owners who used shift work were interviewed. Of the 22, most businesses operated two shifts per day. The average shift length was 10.5 hours for the day shift and 9.5 hours for the night shift. The research showed many challenges associated with extended working hours, such as increased worker turnover (especially during the implementation phase), fatigue, mental burnout, physical illness due to a lack of exercise and social problems (such as work-home conflict). The researchers identified the following points to reduce the negative aspects of extended working hours:
- For long shifts, include two or more substantial rest breaks spread throughout the shift.
- Frequent short breaks where the operator climbs out of the machine, allows different muscle groups to be used.
- Identify the workers who are better suited to and prefer working the late shift.
- Having communication devices in the machines such as radios, allows the operators to communicate with each other at night, which can reduce fatigue.
- Safety meetings must be scheduled so they include workers from all shifts.
- People with introverted personalities tend to be better suited to the night shift.
- Offer a flexible or rotating schedule for those operating the late shift to allow operators to participate in social activities.
- Allow a faster rotation of shifts to have an increased positive influence on job satisfaction, health and well-being.
This research was published as Forest Resource Association Technical Release 10-R-20 (August 2010). The authors were D Mitchell and T Gallagher. Source: http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/36342