Shift-Work Your Way To A Workers' Compensation Claim
Posted on: 10 September 2018
Many people have jobs with hours that don't align with the usual 8-5 time frame. While shift-work has been around for as long as there has been a need for 24-hours a day workers, the deleterious effects of shift-work on the human body and mind have recently become more recognized. If you are one of the many who's job demands that you work non-traditional hours, you may begin to suffer the negative effects. Those whose life has been affected by shift-work are eligible for workers' compensation benefits, so read on to learn more.
Important and stressful work
Why would anyone work nights and other unusual shifts? For many, it's just part of the job. People who train for jobs in the medical field and law enforcement, who drive trucks and work in factories know that shift work will be expected of them, but few may be prepared for the way those strange hours can affect their body clock. Many of the same jobs that keep workers working all hours are also some that require workers to be on top of their game at all times with other's lives hanging in the balance. That need to be alert and focused when your circadian rhythm tells you to sleep is one part of the problem with shift-work.
Your circadian rhythm and your body
When health issues arise due to shift-work, it's usually related to the effect that circadian rhythm has on workers. You might want to think of a circadian rhythm as your internal body clock that regulates your body functions in some surprising ways. Some important things happen to you during your sleep time, and your body clock instructs your body to rest at night.
When you attempt to perform work at other times, you won't be as alert or productive, which could lead to mistakes, accidents and more. Worse yet, when a shift-worker tries to sleep during the way the body clock says "nope, not happening". This can lead to long-term, chronic mood disorders, fatigue, and more.
When shift-work makes you sick
Being tired can not only make you more prone to work-related injuries but can affect your blood pressure, moods, stress level, and more. If you are suffering from shift-work disorder, you must seek medical care and file a claim for coverage with your employer. Getting workers' comp coverage for shift-work disorder can be more challenging than for other medical conditions so you must follow the procedure for filing claims to the letter. If you feel that your claim is not being taken seriously, speak to workers' comp attorneys near you for more assistance.
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