Lack of Sleep: A Concern for Employers?
I find myself a little sleep deprived today after Christmas. The normal amount of sleep I normally get each night was changed from the family get-togethers and other events and “to-dos” leading up to and right after Christmas. My body and mind feel a bit more sluggish. The words to complete this blog come slower than usual as my ability to think and maintain concentration are effected. What I really want to do is to lie down and take a nap.
This got me thinking about the effects of sleep-actually the lack thereof have on employers and workers. The human body can be thought of a machine, albeit a machine with limitations. The lack of sleep affects the performance of our bodies and minds in many ways. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation is similar to having a blood alcohol level of .08 (the legal limit in most States). The following is a partial list of things adversely affected by lack of sleep: attention span, memory, reflexes, responses and behaviors to normal events, rate of healing, blood pressure and weight. Besides the extra activities that come with the holidays, the three most common causes of sleep deprivation are shift work, sleep apnea and stress.
So, as the title states, is employee sleep deprivation a cause of concern for employers? Absolutely. Employers need to consider the effect of fatigue on the processes and tasks performed by the employees. Here are some ways for employers to counteract fatigue, keep employees safe and not impact their insurance premiums:
- Initiate longer or more frequent break periods
Instead of break periods twice per day of 15 or 30 minutes in length, give break periods 4x/day or increase the length of the break period. Some companies even provide an area where workers can take a nap. The amount of time spent “off the job” may seem inefficient and costly but it’s nothing compared to the time and costs spent on injuries and disabilities.
- Rotate workers frequently during their shift
Employees who perform the same task for hours on end tend to become mentally fatigued and complacent. A change in task or surrounding can be a key to keeping their interest and attention to the task at hand.
- Provide food
Refueling is important and providing fruit or maybe pizza/sandwiches maybe a wise investment, especially for those who work prolonged shifts compared to the costly consequences of errors and injuries
- Stretching or exercise
When muscles are used in the same way and in the same position over a period of time they become tired and stiff. Performing simple stretches or going on a 5-10 minute walk can rejuvenate the body and mind which will keep muscles limber and help avoid injury.
- Equipment controls are intuitive
When a person is sleep deprived the ability to think and respond clearly and quickly is significantly decreased. It is important that every piece of equipment be evaluated for its control panel layout and ease of use in order to prevent errors.
Lack of sleep is not only a concern around the holidays but throughout the year. Employers who recognize the issue and are proactive in their precautions will be able to keep their employees productive and injury free. As for me, I’m about to take a 30 minute rest break as I can feel my productivity level slowly decreasing….