|
|
Features of 8-Hour Shifts
Typically 4 crews
Three 8-hour shifts per day
On any day, 3 crews are working and 1 crew is off-duty
People work 3/4 of the days
In a typical 4 week cycle, people work 21 out of 28 days (274 days/year)
People are off-duty 1/4 of the days (91 days/year)
People typically receive 1 weekend off per month (13/year)
People work 2184 hour/year
Features of 12-Hour Shifts
Typically 4 crews
Two 12-hour shifts per day
On any day, 2 crews are working and 2 crews are off-duty
People work 1/2 of the days
In a typical 4 week cycle, people work 14 out of 28 days (182 days/year)
People typically receive 2 weekends off per month (26/year)
People work 2184 hours/year
Fatigue and Alertness Factors
8-Hour Schedules
Work more shifts in a row (i.e. 6-7)
Fewer rest and recovery days, less often
More cumulative fatigue
Shorter work day
12-Hour Schedules
Work fewer shifts in a row (i.e. 2-4)
More rest and recovery days, more often
Less cumulative fatigue
Longer work day
Factors to Consider With 12-Hour Shifts
Age
-More prone to fatigue
-Greater resistance to change
Child care
Travel time
-Can be a long day
-Reduces commute, saves $$$
Job demands
-Physical requirements
-Repetitive motion
-Mental stress
-Boredom
-Fatigue levels
Other Factors to Consider
Payroll cost neutrality
Change in 7 day schedule does NOT mean a change in overtime, pay or vacation
May involve change in pay week
Overtime may come at different times
May require different overtime rules
Key Factors For Rotating Schedules
Speed of rotation:
Slow enhances physical adjustment
Rapid more desirable socially
Slow enhances family planning
-Easier to keep track of schedule
-Easier to plan for events
Slow requires better sleep management on day off
Can slow down most 12's, not 4-crew 8's
Direction of rotation:
Only an issue with 8's
Clockwise vs. counterclockwise
Harder adjustment to 3rd and 1st shifts
Counterclockwise -- extra 8 hours off on long break
Overtime Coverage
8-Hour Shifts:
Can cover with two 12-hour shifts
Can work a double shift
Can come in on days off
12-Hour Shifts:
Can't hold over or work doubles
Need to come in on days off
Volunteer system works in most cases
May need back-up call-out procedures to ensure coverage
Can set up procedures to follow seniority or equalize overtime