OSHA Shift Work Guidelines

The United States Department of Labor and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establish the standards for, and conduct inspections of, work places in the United States. If OSHA standards are not adhered to, the employer risks stiff fines.

Typical Work Shift

• OSHA guidelines consider a normal work shift to be no longer than eight consecutive hours, five days a week. The established shift work guidelines consider working longer hours, more days per week, or shifts that do not include an eight-hour off-duty rest period, to be extended shifts.

Extended Work Shifts

• While OSHA does not have any specific guidelines governing extended or unusual work shifts, the agency does offer guidance to employers. OSHA considers such shifts to be more stressful, both mentally and physically. The agency fears that an increased risk of workplace injury can result from non-traditional or extended work assignments.

Workplace Injuries

• OSHA recommendations advise supervisors and shift managers to become aware of the signs of fatigue and depression. Guidelines further suggest that employees be allowed to rest after heavy physical activity, and increase the number of breaks during extended work hours. The federal ordinances enacted under the Fair Labor Standards Act, not OSHA, address rest breaks during a work shift.