An evaluation of a 12h rapid rota schedule was made in a biochemical industrial setting. The “workability” of the shift, in terms of minimizing diurnal and socio-domestic upsets was assessed by means of sleep chart data, body temperature curves, and life-style change responses. Results indicated that the rapid rota concept fits the rotating shiftworker's true sleep-wakefulness habits and also enhances his opportunities for enjoying a “normal” socio-domestic scene.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
BrunnschweilerD., and MartinC., The social and economic advantages of four-shift working. Textile Inst. and Indus., 1969, V. 7, No. 6, pp. 149–153.
2.
ColquhounW. P., BlakeN., and EdwardsR., Experimental studies of shift work III: Stabilized 12-hour shift systems. Ergonomics, 1969, V. 12, No. 6, pp. 865–882.
3.
De La MareG., and WalkerJ., Factors influencing the choice of shift rotation. Occup. Psychol., 1968, V. 42, No. 1, pp. 1–21.
4.
MottP. E., MannF., McLoughlinQ., and WarwickD., Shift Work: Its Social, Psychological, and Physical Consequences, 1965, Univ. of Mich. Press, 361 p. + vi.
5.
TaylorP. J., The problems of shift work. Proceedings of an International Symposium on Night and Shift Work, Olso, Sweden, 1969.
6.
TelekyL., Problems of night work. Industrial Medicine, 1943, V. 12, No. 11, pp. 758–79.
7.
TuneG. S., Sleep and wakefulness in a group of shift workers. Brit. J. Indus. Med., 1969, 26 pp. 54–58.
8.
van LoonJ. H., Diurnal body temperature curves in shift workers. Ergonomics, 1963, V. 6, No. 3, pp. 267–273.
9.
WalkerJ., Frequent alternation of shifts on continuous work. Occup. Psychol., 1966, 40 pp. 215–225.
10.
WedderburnA. A. I., Social factors in satisfaction with swiftly rotating shifts. Occup. Psychol., 1967, V. 41, pp. 85–87.
11.
WesseldykA. T. G., The influence of shift work on health. Ergonomics, 1961, V. 41, pp. 281–282.
12.
WyattS., and MariottR., Night work and shift changes. Brit. J. Indus. Med., 1953, V. 10, pp. 164–172.
13.
YoderT. A., and BotzumG. D., The long-day short-week in shift work-A human factors study, 16th Annual Meeting Proceedings, 1971.
