..). Because of these problems, employees working under these conditions also suffer from more vehicle related accidents. In particular, individuals working evening and night shifts are more likely to fall asleep on their way home after work. Statistics demonstrate that "...41% of extended hours employees reported nodding off while driving compared with 28% of day workers" (Extended hours...). What this effectively suggests is that firefighters and first responders face a number of notable health and safety threats as a direct result of their schedules and the resultant sleep outcomes.

Addressing the Issue

Although the overall research that has been collected in this field is not extensive, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) (2005, Extended...) notes that there are some steps that employers can take to improve outcomes for professionals that must work unusual work schedules. Specifically, this organization reports that "When there is a choice, managers should limit the...
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