Performance an alertness on 8-hour versus 12-hour work shifts

Although twelve-hour work shifts have become extremely popular in electrical utility and petrochemical industries, there is growing concern over the potential for increased human error due to fatigue from extended hours of work. The authors describe a laboratory research study on simulated 8-hour and 12-hour work shifts. The study investigates on-shift alertness, mood and mental performance, as well as quality and quantity of sleep taken during off-shift hours. The research laboratories were equipped with a control room, complete with centralized process control simulator, mocked-up wall control panels, and adjoining residential apartments for subjects off-duty hours. The findings of this study provide important data on physiological and behavioral consequences of shiftwork, night work, and extended work shifts.<>