After years of working shifts, people are at great risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes and sleeping problems. Together with a number of companies, TNO is developing effective, customized interventions to safeguard workers’ long-term productiveness and employability.
Shift work, on-call work, night work, work in the healthcare sector, and working for the police or fire brigade all fall under the umbrella term of ‘shift work’. In addition to long-term effects, such as developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes and sleep problems, disruption of the biological clock or of the circadian (day-night) rhythm can reduce alertness at night. Combined with lack of sleep, this can result in a greater risk of accidents at work or in the car on the way home from work. In a 2015 advisory report entitled ‘Shiftwork and health risks: possibilities for prevention’, the Health Council of the Netherlands concluded that there are few effective interventions available.