If you’ve found yourself discombobulated following this weekend’s Daylight-Saving Time (DST) shift, you’re not alone. The annual spring forward of clocks disrupts long-held routines and sleeping patterns, subsequently resulting in increased accidents. If you fall victim to one such unfortunate situation while on the job or driving to or from work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
The origin of DST is speculative—with some attributing the idea to Benjamin Franklin and others noting usage by farmers who adjusted working hours to better utilize available light. It wasn’t until World War I that the United States officially adopted the measure. Even then, the adherence to the change fluctuated until 1966 following Congress’ passing of the Uniform Time Act.
This year, DST began on Sunday, March 12 at 2 a.m. While you probably didn’t notice your phone’s clock automatically ticking forward an hour, your body certainly did. Studies show people lose about 40 minutes of sleep due to this time change. While this may seem like a relatively inconsequential amount of time, the consequences can be hazardous—sometimes fatal.
Sleep disruption is not a minor issue. The disturbance of one’s circadian rhythm can cause extensive damage to the body and beyond. The Monday following DST is especially dangerous with a notable increase in car accidents, heart attacks, strokes, and workplace injuries. Not only do the number of workplace injuries increase, so too does the severity. All of this is likely caused by the loss of one hour of sleep—motorists and workers are tired, drowsy, and not used to driving or working in the morning darkness.
With all of this in mind, we should all take the necessary precautions when driving and working this week. If, however, you are injured at or driving to or from work, you should receive workers’ compensation. An experienced attorney can help you get the care and compensation you deserve. Contact Poirier Law Firm today.
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11152980/
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2009-12532-013
https://www.colorado.edu/coloradan/2022/11/07/history-daylight-saving-time
https://www.businessinsider.com/daylight-saving-time-is-deadly-2018-3