Long Production Hours
Our industry has shown a commitment to workplace safety and has implemented a variety of programs that work together effectively to promote safe working conditions. But with a history of working very long hours on the set and sometimes getting very short turnarounds, sleep deprivation on production is still a matter that needs serious attention.
Statistics don’t lie. Research has shown that sleep deprivation can have some of the same hazardous effects as being drunk. Drivers are especially vulnerable to these risks. After being awake for 18 to 20 hours, most drivers will perform worse in driving tests than those who have exceeded the legal limit for drunk driving.
Long workdays and shortened sleep cycles affect coordination, reaction time and judgment and pose serious risks that can lead to reduced productivity, poor concentration, accidents, increased risk for a variety of chronic illnesses … all of which can ultimately result in sickness, injuries, increased benefit expenses—even death.
If you are working long hours and getting short rest periods, we want to know about it. The information you share will be very helpful in our continuing discussions with industry representatives. To share your experiences, please visit www.local695.com/html/longhours.php.
Be safe.
James A. Osburn, CAS
Business Representative
Executive Director