Mining Product: Shiftwork: A Guide for Schedule Design

• Employee management
• Task rotation
• Training plans
• Work pace control

Based upon the perturbed performance, increased or more serious accidents, lowered production, higher absenteeism, health problems, familial problems, low morale, and job dissatisfaction due to working nights and shiftwork, the U.S. Bureau of Mines has analyzed shiftwork schedule design at mining operations. The purpose of this paper is to discuss in practical terms what mining companies can do if they are considering changes in their shiftwork practices. It is not the intent of this paper to persuade management or any workers that they should change their shiftwork schedule. This paper discusses various design considerations or dimensions that may vary. These dimensions are (1) fixed versus rotating schedules, (2) speed of rotation, (3) direction of rotation, (4) length of shift, and 5) starting time of shift. Also, extended workdays and other management considerations, such as training and evaluation, are discussed.