Longer Work Shifts, Faster Forward Rotation—More Sleep and More Alert in Aircraft Inspection

Tarja Hakola, Paula Niemelä, Sari Rönnberg and Annina Ropponen
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Tarja Hakola: Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 40, FI-00032 Työterveyslaitos, Finland
Paula Niemelä: Finnair Health Services, P.O. Box 15, 01053 Finnair, Finland
Sari Rönnberg: Finnair Health Services, P.O. Box 15, 01053 Finnair, Finland
Annina Ropponen: Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, P.O. Box 40, FI-00032 Työterveyslaitos, Finland

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 15, 1-9

Abstract: The purpose of this intervention study is to compare sleep, alertness, and work ability among aircraft inspectors working under two different shift schedules. The original schedule was forward rotating: MMM – – EEE – NNN – – – (M = morning, E = evening, N = night, – = day off). The new schedule was fast forward rotating: MEN – – with 10-h shifts. The baseline data were collected before the schedule changed, and the follow-up data 12 months ( n = 10, Group A) or 5 months ( n = 13, Group B) after the change. Three of subjects were women and average age was 46.6 years (range 31–58). The surveys included questions on sleep quantity, sleep quality, severe sleepiness, alertness, perceived stress, current work ability, and satisfaction with the shift schedule. The results indicated that in the new schedule, the sleeping times were longer and sleep loss was less. Moreover, shift specific severe sleepiness decreased, and alertness during shifts improved. Compared to baseline, perceived stress was lower and work ability was better. Satisfaction with the shift system had also improved. To conclude, the quickly forward rotating shift system might be beneficial in terms of increased sleep length and improved alertness and overall well-being especially among older aircraft inspectors.

Keywords: working hours; age; vigilance; aviation; stress (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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