"It is not uncommon for a person who has
been working shifts all of his or her career without
due strain to start having trouble coping as he or
she gets older." (Biological Rhythms:
Implications for the Worker, US Congress, Office of
Technical Assessment, 1991).
There is a
growing body of evidence to indicate that as one gets
older, typically between 40 and 45 years of age,
changes occur in the internal biological clock which
affect the coordination between various circadian
rhythms such as core body temperature, hormone levels
and the sleep/wake cycle, causing sleep to become
more fragile and easily disrupted, particularly on
night shifts.
Under the Working Time Regulations, and irrespective
of age:
- night workers are entitled to a free health
assessment before they start working nights
and thereafter at regular intervals; and
- night workers suffering from health problems recognised
as being connected with the fact that they
perform night work should be transferred to
day work where possible.
'Recognised' medical conditions for the purposes
of part (b) are:
- diabetes, particularly where treatment with
insulin injections on a strict timetable is
required;
- some heart and circulatory disorders,
particularly where factors such as physical
stamina are affected;
- stomach or intestinal disorders, such as
ulcers and conditions where the timing of a
meal is particularly important;
- medical conditions affecting sleep;
- some chronic chest disorders where night-time
symptoms may be particularly troublesome;
- other medical conditions requiring medication
on a strict timetable.
(DTI Guidance on interpreting and applying the
Working Time Regulations)
If you are over 40 years of age and still engaged
in rotating shift work, you are advised to seek annual
health assessments.
If you are suffering from a medical condition recognised
as being adversely affected by working night duty (no
matter what your age), then your employer is obliged
to transfer you to other duties. This may simply mean
you working a Late Shift every time the rest of your
Unit are working Nights, if transfer to day time
duties is not possible.
A number of researchers in this field, recognising
the adverse effect which ageing has on an individuals
ability to cope with shiftwork, are now recommending
that working night duty should be voluntary
for those over 40 years of age.
At present it is only a recommendation. However it
may only be a matter of time before a European
Directive imposes a requirement on employers to
transfer ageing night shift workers to other duties.