Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link Skip directly to A-Z link Skip directly to A-Z link


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC twenty four seven. Saving Lives, Protecting People
Search
            ×
                        Mining
                        Mining
                            NIOSH
                            All CDC
                    Submit
                For a full list of topics:A-Z Index
                Advanced Search
            Advanced Search


The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)





Mining Publication: Mine Worker Fatigue and Circadian Rhythms
Keywords: Administrative controls Lighting
Original creation date: February 2018
Authors: M Martell
Non-Peer Reviewed Journal Article - February 2018
Download PDF Document (0.69 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20051788
Eng Min J 2018 Feb; 219(2):38-40
The mining industry often uses shift work schedules with the intention to have a productive working mine around the clock. However, one potential side effect of operating on a 24/7 basis can be the disruption of circadian rhythms, which results in worker fatigue — the mental state between wake and sleep. Fatigue from shift work has the potential to decrease productivity and increase accidents in organizations where workers are overly fatigued (Dawson et al., 2000). In open pit mines fatigue-related accidents account for up to 65% of truck driving accidents alone (Schmidt, 2015).
The detrimental effects of severe fatigue include more than loss of productivity and accidents. Several potential health effects are directly associated with fatigue, including trouble sleeping, decreased alertness, slower reaction time, and a weakened immune system. Workers suffering from fatigue also show a general decline in cognitive abilities, such as problem solving and working memory. More serious health consequences of long-term chronic fatigue may include diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and an increased risk of cancer (Kecklund and Axelsson, 2016).
Although one cause of fatigue is lack of adequate sleep, fatigue is not the same as sleepiness. Additionally, fatigue can result from the disruption of circadian rhythms, also known as the body’s “biological clock.” Circadian rhythms are highly affected by the natural cycle of daylight, and varying exposure to light causes a disruption. Hence, shift workers are inherently at risk of circadian disruption, with their working hours extending into the night or early morning. This disruption can cause us to have problems with getting enough sleep. Even one night of poor sleep — defined as either less than seven consecutive hours or frequent waking — can have negative effects on our health (Watson et al., 2015).
First page of Mine Worker Fatigue and Circadian RhythmsNon-Peer Reviewed Journal Article - February 2018
Download PDF Document (0.69 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20051788
Eng Min J 2018 Feb; 219(2):38-40
See Also
Administrative Controls for Reducing Worker Noise Exposures
The Application of Fiber Optics Technology to the Design of Mine Lighting Systems
Computer Design and Evaluation Tool for Illuminating Underground Coal-Mining Equipment
Crewstation Analysis Programs - An Easy to Use Personal Computer-based Lighting and Visibility Analysis Software Package for Underground Mining Equipment
Evaluation of Mine Illumination Systems Using Numerical Modeling
Evaluation of Visual Performance When Using Incandescent, Fluorescent, and LED Machine Lights In Mesopic Conditions
The Potential Impact of Light Emitting Diode Lighting on Reducing Mining Injuries During Operation and Maintenance of Lighting Systems
Underground Coal Mine Lighting Handbook (In Two Parts): 1. Background
Underground Coal Mine Lighting Handbook (In Two Parts): 2. Application
Underground Coal, Metal, and Nonmetal Mine Illumination Systems for Improving Miner Visual Performance
Page last reviewed: June 28, 2018
Page last updated: June 28, 2018
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
Facebook
        Twitter
        LinkedIn
        Syndicate Mining
        Site BrowserSafety and Health TopicsData & StatisticsMethodologyMine DisastersMSHA Data FilesMine & Mineworker ChartsTools & PublicationsTools You Can UsePublicationsNews & ArticlesResearch ProgramNORA Mining CouncilStrategic PlanMining Program, 2019-2023Miner Health Program, 2020-2030ProjectsContractsFunding OpportunitiesMining LinksAbout UsContact NIOSH MiningEmploymentFacilitiesHistoryVisitor Information NIOSH Homepage
 NIOSH A-Z
Workplace Safety & Health Topics
Publications and Products
Programs


About CDC
					Contact Us
					800-232-4636
 Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Youtube Pinterest Snapchat
 CONTACT CDC
				Contact Us
							Call 800-232-4636
							Email Us
			ABOUT CDC
				About CDC
							Jobs
							Funding
			POLICIES
				Accessibility
							External Links
							Privacy
							Policies
							No Fear Act
							FOIA
							OIG
							Nondiscrimination
							Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
			CONNECT WITH US
				Facebook
								Twitter
								Instagram
								LinkedIn
							Youtube
								Pinterest
								Snapchat
								Email
			LANGUAGES
				Español
							繁體中文
							Tiếng Việt
							한국어
							Tagalog
							Русский
							العربية
							Kreyòl Ayisyen
							Français
							Polski
							Português
							Italiano
							Deutsch
							日本語
							فارسی
							English


U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
			Accessibility
			External Links
			Privacy
			Policies
			No Fear Act
			FOIA
			Nondiscrimination
			OIG
			Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
			USA.gov


Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy Close
 Links with this icon  indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
				Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
				You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
				CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Website Disclaimers
 Cancel Continue