Employers fall short in assessing night work risks

Does the work really need to happen at night, or could it be done during the day? According to the Netherlands Labour Authority, employers need to give this question more attention. Businesses and customers benefit from night work. Employees bear the health risks, but do not always receive adequate protection. Research involving 285 employers points to shortcomings in occupational health and safety and working hours. The authority sees grounds for a critical review of both the need for night work and working conditions.

The employers studied operate in sectors including industry, transportation, healthcare, hospitality, and distribution. The authority visited 193 employers for its Arbo in Bedrijf study. It also inspected 92 employers for occupational health and safety and compliance with the Working Hours Act. It took enforcement action at 58 companies over identified shortcomings. These involved failures in occupational health and safety, violations of the Working Hours Act, or both.

Why run production at night?

Economic considerations are the main reason for night work at 46% of the employers in Arbo in Bedrijf. Examples include meeting production targets and serving customers. At 41%, the nature of the work makes night work necessary. This includes tasks that require immediate attention or equipment that cannot be shut down.

Nearly nine in ten employers see no scope to reduce night work further. At 20% of the employers visited, employees work nights on a permanent basis. According to the Netherlands Labour Authority, this is only rarely permitted.

Risks inadequately assessed

Of the employers inspected, 54% had not identified night work as a separate risk. At 69%, the action plan lacked specific measures.

Employers and employees give different accounts of the information provided. Of the employers inspected, 63% say they inform employees about the risks. Only half of the employees interviewed say they received that information.

Where night work is unnecessary, employers must reduce it. Where it is necessary, they must assess the risks and adequately protect employees.

Health risks of night work

In the Netherlands, approximately 1.2 million people work nights occasionally or regularly. Night work disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm and increases the risk of sleep problems. It also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Fatigue and reduced alertness also increase the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Fatigue and reduced alertness also increase the risk of workplace accidents.

Nlarbeidsinspectie.nl