The Impact of Night Work on Employees’ Health and Employer Obligations

In today’s fast-paced world, numerous industries and services require workers to be available 24/7, leading to many professionals engaging in night shifts. While night work is essential for ensuring continuous operations, it has potential consequences for employees and employers. In this article, we will delve into the effects of night work on workers’ health and explore the responsibilities of employers.

Understanding Night Work

Night work refers to work performed outside of regular daytime working hours, typically including shifts during the early morning, evening, and night. In the Republic of Croatia, approximately 13% of the employed workforce occasionally performs night work, while the EU average is slightly lower at 7.6%.

Health Implications for Night Workers

Numerous studies have demonstrated that the body is more sensitive to harmful environmental influences during nighttime. Prolonged exposure to night work can lead to various health issues for employees, including:

1. Sleep Problems: Night workers often face sleep disturbances, such as insomnia, reduced sleep duration, and drowsiness during working hours. The disruption of regular circadian rhythms contributes to these sleep-related issues.
2. Cardiovascular Diseases: Irregular working hours can increase the risk of cardiovascular disorders, such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia.
3. Diabetes: Night workers may face an elevated risk of developing diabetes due to disrupting their biological rhythms.
4. Digestive Problems: Night work can negatively affect the digestive system, leading to gastrointestinal issues.
5. Mental Health Concerns: Balancing personal and professional life presents challenges that can lead to helplessness and frustration. If left unaddressed, these emotions may contribute to potential mental health issues and burnout.

Employer Responsibilities for Night Workers

To ensure the well-being of night workers and comply with regulations, employers have specific responsibilities, which include:

1. Health Check-ups: Employers must provide night workers with health examinations before they begin their night shifts and regularly during their night work. Night workers in specific work conditions should undergo health examinations following relevant occupational safety and health regulations.
2. Managing Working Hours: Employers must carefully address the working hours of night workers to ensure they receive appropriate breaks and rest periods, as the Labour Law requires.
3. Shift Rotation: When organizing work in shifts, including night shifts, employers must ensure that night workers do not work continuously in night shifts for more than one week.
4. No Longer Working Hours: Night workers should not work longer than an average of eight hours within any twenty-four-hour period over four months. Employers must avoid scheduling night workers for more extended hours, as it constitutes a severe offence.

The Prohibition of Night Work for Minors

Minors cannot work at night except when specific laws regulate temporary work for necessary activities. In such situations, employers must ensure that an adult supervises the work.

Conclusion

Night work is vital in keeping various industries and services operational around the clock. However, it comes with potential health implications for employees. Employers must prioritize the well-being of their night workers by adhering to their responsibilities, conducting regular health check-ups, and managing working hours effectively. By doing so, employers can foster a healthy and productive work environment for their night workers and ensure optimal business performance.