Daylight Saving Time can mean more accidents

It’s that time of the year again: Daylight Saving Time! The time when the clocks go forward an hour (in B.C. they will do so for the last time ever) and everyone loses an hour of sleep. Many of us are happy to do so because it means that it stays light later into the evening,  and it also means that spring is around the corner. Unfortunately it also means that many people are operating on an hour less sleep than they would have gotten normally, and that means a greater likelihood of accidents happening. 

The idea of moving the clocks ahead in the spring and back in the fall is over 100 years old, and for many it still remains a controversial solution to a debatable problem. The argument behind it is based on energy conservation (since it is light later) and also stimulating the retail and entertainment sectors of the economy by increasing the number of daylight hours following the traditional workday. However, there is documented fallout that could be detrimental to your health and safety.

Among the ripple effects of the time change are:

— A greater risk of workplace injuries and accidents: Lack of sleep, even as small an amount as 40 minutes, can increase the likelihood of workplace incidents. Research shows that in the week following the onset of daylight saving time, there is an increase in the frequency and severity of accidents and injuries, including car accidents.

— An increased risk of heart attack: Doctors say that any kind of sleep disturbance, especially getting less sleep than normal, can release stress hormones that increase inflammation, and this can lead to complications in people who are already at risk of having a heart attack.

— An increased incidence of cluster headaches or migraines: The body can react to any difference in sleep patterns, even if it’s just a single hour. The lack of sleep disturbs the circadian rhythms — our internal biological clock — which can alter the release of hormones that affect mood, hunger and desire for sleep. The result can trigger bouts of debilitating pain in those who suffer from migraines.

— Increased cyber surfing by employees during work hours: Although not necessarily a health risk, research shows that there is often an increase in the amount of time spent surfing the internet during work hours on the Monday following a time change, which has a direct effect on motivation and productivity.

Some experts believe that in a time where more and more people are working flexible hours, working remotely, and otherwise on a schedule that is less connected to the natural rhythms of the sun rising and setting, Daylight Saving Time has outlived its usefulness. But while the debate over whether we need it rages on, acknowledging the issues and preparing for the Monday after a time change could help prevent some of the negative impact on your employees and your workplace. 

Here are a few ideas about how to do this:

— Consider a late or flexible start on the Monday morning following the time change. Allowing employees a little extra time to get going could help clear the morning fog and get focused on the day.

— Ensure there is nothing new or any major organizational changes that go into effect on Monday. Keeping things as routine as possible allows employees to focus on what they know.

— Have something organized that is interesting and fun during the day, like having donuts for morning coffee break or ordering pizza for lunch. Breaking the monotony of the day with a little perk can improve motivation and engagement.

— Use the day to do a review of health and safety policies and procedures. Since the day itself poses a safety hazard, reviewing how to be safe could be a proactive measure and provide a good example.

— Check in with your employees or co-workers to see if they are experiencing any impacts from the time change. Acknowledging their feelings of fatigue, lethargy and being out of sorts can help them identify why they don’t feel on their game and allow them to address it.

As always, we are available to answer your questions or address your concerns to the best of our ability. You can reach us directly during business hours using our chat feature or by phone, at 1-844-377-9545,  by email at [email protected], or you can connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.