Did you know that the end of Daylight Savings brings about several changes that can affect workplace safety? As the sun begins to set earlier and earlier, more employees are performing work-related duties in the dark. There are a handful of risks increased with the end of Daylight Savings, however, it is actually the beginning of Daylight Savings that more drastically correlates with a spike in workplace injuries. Regardless if we are shifting to longer days or earlier nights, it is important to understand the various factors you should be aware of while on-the-job during the beginning and end of Daylight Savings time.
Beginning of Daylight Savings
In March each year, we skip forward an hour thus losing an hour of precious sleep. Although most individuals normally acclimate to the slight shift in time almost immediately, many people experience the effects of an hour less of sleep particularly the morning after Daylight Savings. This lack of sleep can cause a dangerous situation for workers who have to wake up early to head to their jobs. Exhaustion can lead to several work-related injuries including car accidents heading to and from work or even cases of negligence while on-the-job. To avoid injuries that can be triggered by tiredness while at work, it is best to prepare for Daylight Savings by adjusting your sleep schedule so you are getting the proper amount of sleep when the time change occurs.
End of Daylight Savings
Just earlier this month, we experienced the end of Daylight Savings. With this comes earlier evenings and the sun often setting around the time many workers are heading home from work. Although the end of Daylight Savings might allow you to sleep longer hours, driving in the dark while working or when returning home from your job can pose different risks. Darkness can trigger fatigue and reduce visibility on the road, increasing the risk of serious automotive accidents. In fact, approximately 40-50% of all fatal car accidents happen at night. When you are traveling for work, you tend to be more distracted, however, it is imperative that you use extra caution when driving when it’s dark out, especially when you are still adjusting to the end of Daylight Savings.
Daylight Savings doesn’t have a huge impact on our day-to-day lives, but it can increase various risks associated with work-related activities. If you have been injured on-the-job as a result of fatigue, lack of visibility, or any other effect from Daylight Savings, you might have a strong case to earn workers’ compensation benefits. Contact Poirier Law Firm today so our team can begin to help you fight for your compensation and recovery!
Sources: https://www.nsc.org/road-safety/safety-topics/night-driving
https://www.lavislaw.com/blog/study-links-daylight-savings-t.html