It isn’t uncommon for some companies in Tennessee to operate 24 hours a day, and this may mean that you will be scheduled to work evening or overnight shifts. Research has shown that you are more likely to be involved in a workplace accident during a shift that ends later in the day or early in the morning.
Working a night shift can disrupt your circadian rhythm
The circadian rhythm is what tells your body whether it should be awake or asleep. It is the reason why it is difficult to stay awake at night or asleep during the day. Ultimately, it is why you may feel tired, groggy or sluggish while at work.
A mistake is more likely to happen when you’re tired
As a general rule, it’s harder to process information when you’re experiencing a greater level of fatigue. Therefore, you may be at a higher risk of making a mistake that could put yourself at risk of getting hurt. You may also be at a higher risk of getting hurt in an accident caused by another worker who is performing tasks on minimal sleep. In the event that you’re hurt at work, it may be a good idea to file a workers’ compensation claim.
You may be at risk of falling asleep while on the job
At some point with little sleep, your body is going to override your brain and shut itself down. If you are monitoring a machine, using a piece of heavy equipment or handling chemicals when this happens, there is a chance that you could suffer a serious injury. You may want to ask your boss for permission to take a quick nap to keep yourself from dozing off at an inopportune time.
In the event that you’re hurt at work, don’t hesitate to seek treatment as quickly as possible. After seeing a medical professional, it might be in your best interest to talk to an attorney. A legal representative may help you file a workers’ compensation claim or take other steps to represent your interests after getting hurt at work.