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What is an Extended/Unusual Shift and when are they used?

A normal work shift is generally considered to be a work period of no more than eight consecutive hours during the day, five days a week with at least an eight-hour rest. Any shift that incorporates more continuous hours, requires more consecutive days of work, or requires work during the evening should be considered extended or unusual. Extended shifts may be used to maximize scarce resources. Long or unusual shifts are often required during response and recovery phases of emergency situations such as terrorist threats, which generally come without warning, require continuous monitoring, and may overwhelm local responders both technically and tactically. These schedules ensure that the appropriate scarce resources are in place and accessible while full mobilization is being developed.

Is there an OSHA standard covering this?

Currently, there is not a specific OSHA Standard for extended or unusual work shifts. This document is intended solely as a guide to provide information to employers and workers.

What should workers know?

Extended or unusual work shifts may be more stressful physically, mentally, and emotionally. Non-traditional shifts and extended work hours may disrupt the body's regular schedule, leading to increased fatigue, stress, and lack of concentration. These effects lead to an increased risk of operator error, injuries and/or accidents.

Society is oriented toward traditional daytime work hours and work at night will often intensify fatigue and reduce alertness. Workers generally will not acclimate to night work, and sleep patterns will generally be disrupted so the non-work periods do not provide full recovery, resulting in sleep deprivation. Studies suggest that it can take up to 10 days to adapt to a night time work schedule.

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