12-hour work shifts were conceived in the 1970s to address staffing shortages and the need for increased schedule flexibility in the healthcare sector. 12-hr. shifts began to appear in law enforcement about a decade later for similar reasons – officers desired more flexible schedules and longer periods of time off. As originally conceived, the 12-hr. shift was seen as a solution to excessive 8-hr. shift overtime. In fact, non-working periods were built into the 12-hr. schedule to ensure adequate rest and recovery to ensure optimal human performance. For a variety of reasons including the realities of modern policing and budget constraints, many police departments in Pennsylvania now routinely add overtime onto 12-hr. shifts. This creates a dangerous cocktail for both physical and mental health. While dedication to serving the community is admirable, agencies must also be aware of the serious risks associated with chronic overwork and inadequate sleep.

The Strain on the Body

 Working 12-hr. shifts is already taxing. Adding overtime to this schedule significantly disrupts the body’s natural circadian rhythm. This disruption can lead to:

• Increased risk of cardiovascular disease – Studies have shown a correlation between long work hours and higher rates of heart disease, stroke, and hypertension. Irregular sleep patterns and chronic stress contribute to these risks.
• Digestive problems – Shift work and overtime can wreak havoc on the digestive system, leading to issues like ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, and other gastrointestinal disorders.
• Weakened immune system – Lack of sleep and chronic stress weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
• Increased risk of fatigue-related injuries – Extended hours lead to decreased alertness and reaction time, increasing the likelihood of accidents and injuries, both on and off duty.

The Mental Toll

The impact of excessive work hours extends beyond physical health. Chronic overwork can also lead to:

• Burnout and emotional exhaustion – Constant stress and lack of recovery time can lead to burnout, characterized by feelings of exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy.
• Sleep disorders – Disrupted sleep patterns can lead to chronic insomnia, sleep apnea, and other sleep disorders, further exacerbating health problems.
• Increased risk of depression and anxiety – Studies have linked long work hours to increased rates of depression and anxiety. The constant stress and lack of work-life balance can take a significant toll on mental well-being.
• Relationship problems – Long hours and fatigue can strain relationships with family and friends, leading to conflict and isolation.
• Increased risk of errors – For police officers, fatigue can lead to critical errors in judgement, putting both the officer and the public at risk.

What can Pa. public sector employers do?

Recognizing that routinely tacking 4, 6 or more hours of overtime on top of already extended 12 hr. shifts is undesirable and hazardous to employees. Instead, agencies should prioritize the well-being of employees by:

• Implementing strategies to minimize overtime. Options include increasing headcount, exploring regionalization and reducing lower-priority service commitments.
• Promoting healthy work-life balance.
• Providing access to mental health resources.
• Encouraging regular sleep and healthy lifestyle choices.
• Recognizing the signs of fatigue in employees and providing relief.

 Need more information or assistance?

DVT members struggling with 12-hr. shift overtime challenges or work-life balance concerns are encouraged to reach out to the Risk Control Department at 215-706-0101.

Sources

Alterman, T., Lawson, V. H., Shekelle, R. B., & Boyko, E. J. (2001). Work hours and symptoms of anxiety. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 43(7), 618-626.

Knutsson, A. (2003). Health disorders of shift workers. Occupational medicine, 53(2), 103-108.

Van der Hulst, M. (2003). Long work hours and health hazards among employees: a review of current knowledge. Scandinavian journal of work, environment & health, 171-188.

Viitasalo, K., Kuosma, E., & Mutanen, P. (2007). Long working hours and depressive symptoms in Finnish employees. Journal of occupational health, 49(5), 359-366.

CDC – National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). (n.d.). Overtime and Extended Work Shifts: Recent Findings on Health Risks. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/overtime/

American Heart Association. (n.d.). Shift Work and Heart Health. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/sleep/shift-work-and-heart-health