Since the body clock tends to run slow at about 25 hours rather than the 24 hours of industry, a roster that rotates forwards is less fatiguing than a backward rotation. This means day shift is followed by late shift which is followed by night shift. Interestingly most shifts that are designed by staff rotate backwards because the perceived amount of time off is greater. Shiftworkers who have experienced both rotations usually report that the backward rotation is preferable in the first instance but after a few months it becomes very tiring and the quality of the time off deteriorates. Experienced shiftworkers usually prefer a forward rotation.
Some organisations require staff to work unreasonable hours that are bound to create sleep debt.
In these instances a taxi home provided by the company will ensure a safe trip home. Train staff in the management of sleep, fatigue and alertness Organisations that are prone to sleepy workers have implemented fatigue management programs. Staff are instructed in the nine points of alertness as mentioned in chapter 10. Remembering the most important fatigue management skill of all. That is to keep the sleep bank balance in zero.