Sleep Deprivation and Workplace Injuries

Sleep deprivation is a major cause of workplace injuries. Studies have shown that sleep-deprived workers are 70% more likely to be involved in a work accident. Lack of sleep slows reaction time and decreases attention, alertness and motivation.

Shift workers (workers who provide services 24/7) are more likely to suffer from sleep deprivation because of the disruption to their natural sleep patterns. Those who work extended or unusual shifts – defined as working during the evening, working more than eight hours consecutively, and/or working more than five days in a row – are also at a higher risk for sleep deprivation. This results in accidents, injuries and lost productivity.

Experts recommend some steps employers can take to try and ensure that their workers are less likely to be injured due to sleep deprivation:

• provide additional break periods and meals for shifts exceeding eight hours;
• have employees complete labor intensive and/or concentration intensive tasks at the beginning rather than end of a shift;
• provide training to recognize signs and symptoms of the health effects associated with shift work.

If you are injured on the job, the attorneys at Leonard Sciolla have experience maximizing the workers’ compensation benefits available to you. If someone is directly responsible for your workplace injury, our attorneys can pursue a personal injury claim for additional compensation for your pain and suffering. Contact Greg Sciolla in our New Jersey office at (856) 273-6679 or call (215) 567-1530 for Christopher Fleming in our Philadelphia office.

Published July 16, 2016