On Sunday, March 10, 2024, we spring forward, losing an hour of sleep as clocks move ahead. While the goal of Daylight Saving Time (DST) is to make better use of daylight, this shift can have significant effects on health, safety, and productivity—especially in industries like construction. The disruption to sleep patterns, changes in daylight hours, and even physiological impacts can increase the risk of accidents, injuries, and health issues on the job site.
With construction workers operating heavy machinery, working at heights, and handling hazardous materials, even small lapses in focus or reaction time can have serious consequences. As the clocks fall back, it’s important to be aware of how this shift affects both physical and mental well-being. Below are seven key ways DST impacts construction health and safety—and what companies can do to mitigate the risks.
1. Accidents Increase
Injury data from the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety indicated a 5.7% increase in the number of injuries in the days following the clock change. And, just as significantly, there was a 67% increase in days of work lost due to those injuries, which suggests the severity of the injuries was also heightened.
A bright spot (pun not intended) is that switching back to standard time, which is the fall change, has less negative impact than the move to DST in the spring. The Journal of Applied Psychology studied OHS and BLS statistics and determined sleep disruption, the primary driver of accidents, is lower in the fall change. However, the reduced light at the end of the shift, a time already associated with increased risk, can further contribute to accidents.
And before you get too excited about this extra hour of sleep and start feeling bulletproof, consider that the Sleep Med Review concluded that “the autumn transition is often popularized as a gain of 1 h of sleep but there is little evidence of extra sleep on that night.” The CDC identifies that any change to sleep and wake times, as well as light exposure impacting the circadian rhythm, can take about a week to adjust to. That adjustment time “can lead to sleep deprivation and reduction in performance, increasing the risk for mistakes.”
2. Health Risks
Workers can experience higher risks to both their health and safety after the time changes. A study cited by the CDC indicated that men and those with heart disease might be at a higher risk for a heart attack during the week following the DST changes in both Spring and Fall. Given that construction is an industry already more prone than average to heart disease, this is particularly concerning.
3. Fatigue and Adjustment Period
The time change can disrupt workers’ sleep patterns and circadian rhythms, potentially leading to fatigue. Tired workers are more likely to make mistakes and have slower reaction times. There is usually an adjustment period for workers’ bodies to get used to the new time, which can affect their alertness and performance on-site.
Construction often involves operating heavy machinery and working at heights. A sleep-deprived construction worker is at a higher risk of accidents, so it’s essential to reiterate all safety procedures at this time of year. A back-to-basics toolbox talk or review of the leading hazards and causes of incidents on your particular job site can go a long way to keeping safety at the front of (tired) minds.
4. Reduced Visibility and Increased Rushing
As the clocks go back, dusk and darkness come earlier in the day. This can result in reduced visibility towards the end of the workday, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. With less daylight at the end of the day, there may be a rush to complete tasks before it gets too dark, which can lead to shortcuts and unsafe practices.
5. Traffic Hazards and Shift Work
The change in daylight can also affect commuting patterns, with workers potentially driving to and from the site in the dark, increasing the risk of traffic accidents. If shifts are adjusted to start earlier to maximize daylight, workers may be traveling to the site before sunrise when visibility on the road is poor, and they may be more susceptible to drowsiness. In some areas, the change in daylight hours can coincide with increased activity from wildlife at dusk, which can be a hazard for construction sites near natural habitats.
6. Cold Weather and Use of Temporary Lighting
In many places, the end of Daylight Savings Time coincides with colder temperatures, which can bring additional risks such as icy surfaces and the use of heaters that may present fire hazards if not used correctly. The need for artificial lighting increases, which brings its own set of risks, such as electrical hazards, poorly lit areas, glare, and shadows that can hide trip hazards.
7. Psychological Effects
Less exposure to daylight can affect mental health, potentially leading to a lack of focus and concentration, which is crucial for safety on construction sites. Those working early hours could get a boost from starting their day with a bit of natural light, but since the fall time change happens as days get ever shorter, there is a tradeoff with ending the workday in the dark. The corresponding uptick in seasonal affective disorder (SAD) at this time of year means companies should be mindful of its impact on workers’ mental health and performance.
How to Help Construction Employees Protect Their Health and Safety
Proactive construction companies can respond to these risks by implementing a range of safety measures. These measures can include providing additional lighting, giving workers time to adjust to new schedules, enforcing strict adherence to safety protocols, and being more vigilant about the health and well-being of their workers. It’s also important for companies to remind workers about the potential risks associated with the time change and to provide guidance on how to manage them effectively. Employers can conduct training sessions on the importance of sleep and how to adjust to DST. This can include tips on sleep hygiene and the importance of maintaining a routine. A few examples of areas to discuss:
- Take Care of Your Mental Health: Construction has the second highest suicide rate of any industry, so it’s especially important that construction companies pay as much attention to the mental health of workers as they do to their physical health.
- Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: Both can interfere with sleep. It’s best to avoid them close to bedtime, especially during the transition. And as much as we know you don’t want to hear it, it will help with mental health as well.
- Stay Active: Engage in physical activity during the day. It can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy a deeper sleep. This one is a nice easy win for the average construction worker given the physical nature of the job.
- Limit Screen Time: The blue light emitted by phones, tablets, and computers can interfere with the production of the sleep hormone melatonin. It’s a good idea to limit screen time in the evening.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day (but reduce intake before bedtime to avoid nighttime awakenings).
Daylight Saving Time may only shift the clock by an hour, but its effects can last far longer. By recognizing the risks and taking proactive steps, construction teams can help ensure that safety remains a top priority during this transition. A little extra caution, communication, and awareness can go a long way in preventing injuries and keeping crews safe on the job.
Until next time…Work Safe & Be Safe!
