In a recent study by Christopher M. Barnes and David T. Wagner of the Michigan State University, they found an increase in the number of job related injuries on Mondays directly following the switch to Daylight Saving Time in which an hour is lost.
During this day workers sustain more workplace injuries and of greater severity. This first part of the study is based on NIOSH’s database of mining injuries for the years 1983 – 2006.
In the second part of their study, which is based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ database of time use for the years 2003 – 2006, they found out that workers lose an average of 40 minutes of sleep on Mondays following the switch to DST. However, on Mondays following the shift to Standard Time, no significant lost of sleep or considerable increase in the number or severity of work related injuries were found.
What can we take out of this study?
In their conclusion Barnes and Wagner pointed out that “Daylight Saving Time may save daylight, but not without painful costs.” DST is practiced so that we can take advantage of longer daylight during the summer and in effect save energy. Although it is proven to be beneficial, the drawbacks have not been given enough attention. The changes in time schedule can have an important effect in our sleep pattern and activity cycle. When our normal routine gets disrupted and we don’t get the normal sleep hours we’re used to, we become prone to mistakes and focusing on simple tasks become more difficult.
When you’re in an industry where your job demands your full attention, lack of sleep may cause you to commit mistakes that you usually wouldn’t make. A possible increased injury risk following this time shift should be expected and certain precautionary measures should be taken to avoid them.
Now that we are aware of this danger, what we can do? In manufacturing or construction sites for example, the management can schedule the more dangerous tasks during the later part of the week when the workers have already adapted to the time shift.
Daylight Saving Time definitely has its benefits but there are hazards that come with it too, hazards that we need to be aware of.
For more information on Christopher M. Barnes and David T. Wagner’s study please visit:
Just found your blog…great information!!
The problem with daylight savings time has been an interesting one to me for years. I do consulting for some large construction companies and I have noticed an increase in injuries during this time. Is it due to lack or change of sleep patterns? Not sure but its something I look at when DST rolls around.
Again thanks for the info!
Based on the study, there’s a slight increase in work related injuries on Mondays after the switch from standard time to DST. There are evidences that suggests that this is due to lack of sleep but more research and indepth study has to be done before we can come to this conclusion. Now that we’re aware of this possible hazard we can adjust our tasks during this day to be able to avoid work related injuries.
Thanks for checking out our blog J.J.!