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 ۱۴ petrochemical companies. Study population consisted of ۹۸۷ 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 ۱۱.۵. Results: Among ۹۸۷ studied shift employees, ۲۷% worked in ۳M-۳E-۳N-۳Res, ۶۱% in ۴M-۴E-۴N-۴Res and ۱۲% in ۱۲-hour schedules. Health problems such as gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disorders among ۴M-۴E-۴N-۴Res schedule shift workers were significantly less prevalent than other schedules (P<۰.۰۵). Furthermore, the results showed that the prevalence rates of health problems among ۱۲- hour schedule shift workers were higher than ۳M-۳E-۳N-۳Res schedule workers. Conclusions: Since ۱۲-hour schedule caused higher rates of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disorders among shift workers as compared with ۴M-۴E-۴N-۴Res and ۳M-۳E-۳N-۳Res schedules, it should be avoided in shift system. Based on the results, ۸-hour schedules with clockwise rapid rotation are recommended.