Working unsociable
hours can be a difficult task, so its important to ensure
you are as prepared as possible. According to the Trade Union
Commission (TUC), there are 3.4
million people working through the night in the UK.
If you are
one of those people, we have some tips help you feel as comfortable as
possible during your shift.
Have the
right equipment – Visibility is worse at night, so try to keep the light
bright in your work area. If you are working outside, for example in
roadway maintenance, then having the correct PPE is of paramount importance. If
you end up straying into darker areas, in order to be seen by others and
for them to be aware of your presence it is key to wear a hi vis vest.
A food
planner – People working at night or on rotating shifts are more susceptible to
gastrointestinal problems. Your options for purchasing food on a night shift is going to
be limited, so try preparing a well-balanced meal that you can enjoy on your
break. This will enable you to avoid unhealthy snacks and junk
food. Stay hydrated and try not to rely too heavily on caffeinated
beverages or those with a high sugar content.
Plenty of
rest – Long periods
of time without proper sleep increases the chance of accidents and
injuries at work. Try to get into a sleeping routine as quickly as
possible and use blackout curtains to make your bedroom dark in the
daytime. Noise can also be a significant barrier to a good rest, so make
those you live with aware of your sleeping pattern and have some ear
plugs handy just in case. You can also turn off your devices or set
them to do not disturb so you can are not unwittingly awoken.
What to
keep an eye on
Working night
shifts can adversely affect your lifestyle. The
potential issues include:
- The development of health issues, such as depression
- Fatigue and Stress
- A poor work-life balance
- A lack of motivation/reduced productivity
Know your
rights
The
night period lasts from 11pm until 6am and if you regularly work at least
three hours during that time frame you will be classed as a night worker. Night
workers must not work more than an average of eight hours in a 24-hour
period, and it is not possible to opt out of this limit. A risk
assessment must be carried out to identify hazards and the mental
or physical strain of certain aspects of your work.
If you are
under the age of 18 you cannot work between midnight and 4am, unless there
is no adult available, there has been a sudden increase in demand,
or to maintain the continuity of a service.
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