Work schedule-related health problems in petrochemical industries workers

Background & Aims: Shift work is programmed in various schedules, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The main purposes of this study were: a) to determine common shift schedules used in petrochemical industries, b) to compare shift work health-related problems among employees working in different shift schedules and c) to recommend appropriate shift schedule. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at 14 petrochemical companies. Study population consisted of 987 shift workers. Data on demographic features, shift schedule and adverse effects of shift work were collected via anonymous questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, version 11.5. Results: Among 987 studied shift employees, 27 worked in 3M-3E-3N-3Res, 61 in 4M-4E-4N-4Res and 12 in 12-hour schedules. Health problems such as gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disorders among 4M-4E-4N-4Res schedule shift workers were significantly less prevalent than other schedules (P<0.05). Furthermore, the results showed that the prevalence rates of health problems among 12-hour schedule shift workers were higher than 3M-3E-3N-3Res schedule workers. Conclusions: Since 12-hour schedule caused higher rates of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disorders among shift workers as compared with 4M-4E-4N-4Res and 3M-3E-3N-3Res schedules, it should be avoided in shift system. Based on the results, 8-hour schedules with clockwise rapid rotation are recommended.