The New Jersey Institute of Technology's
Electronic Theses & Dissertations Project

Title:	Effects of 8 and 12 hour non-rotating shift schedules for security and protective services workers
Author:	Aydin, Zuleyha
View Online:	njit-etd2017-106 (xi, 78 pages ~ 1.3 MB pdf)
Department:	Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Degree:	Master of Science
Program:	Occupational Safety and Health Engineering
Document Type:	Thesis
Advisory Committee:	Sengupta, Arijit K. (Committee chair) Bladikas, Athanassios K. (Committee member) Lieber, Samuel (Committee member)
Date:	2017-12
Keywords:	Shiftwork Impact on sleep Impact on alertness Impact on well-being
Availability:	Unrestricted
Abstract:	Shiftwork is a major feature of working life in today’s world. Increasing the workday length is a new trend in alternative work schedules. The features of a shift system operation can have an impact on sleep, alertness, and the well-being of shift workers. The objective of this study is to evaluate security and protective services employees working in non-rotating shift systems of 8- hour and 12-hour schedules. New Jersey Institute of Technology’s Public Safety Department staff was studied to examine how non-rotating shift schedules affect sleep, alertness, and wellness under five different work schedules. A survey instrument, approved by the Institutional Review Board was used to acquire data from the participants (n=39). The survey included 29 questions covering alertness, sleep habits, and wellness factors. The survey data were statistically analyzed using single factor ANOVA to compare a 12 h compressed work schedule to an 8 h regular work schedule. The results of the study strongly support (p<0.10) the hypothesis that a decreasing level of alertness, and increasing sleep and health problems are associated with a non-rotating 12 h shift. These findings are similar to those of previous researchers highlighting the negative effects of a 12 h rotating shift on workers.