Overview of Sleep and Fatigue at Indonesian Coal Mining Workers Working with Shift Work

Abstract

Implementing shift work is a common practice to boost productivity in various industries. Despite its advantages in sustaining continuous business operations, shift work has negative effects on the physical health of its employees. Both immediate and long-term health effects may result from this kind of work. Acute health impacts of working in shifts include fatigue and loss of focus at work. However, it is unclear, whether there are differences between shift work and non-shift work in relation to sleep and fatigue, particularly among Indonesian coal mining workers. This cross-sectional study collected field data from a coal mining company in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). This study included 397 respondents classified as non-shift, 2-shift and 3-shift workers. It was found that (2-shift and 3-shift) sleep for around 30 minutes shorter than non-shift workers. The coal miners with the lowest sleep efficiency were those who worked two shifts. There are significance differences between sleep duration, sleep efficiency, educational attainment, working task, sleep quality, and fatigue among non-shift, 2-shift, and 3-shift workers. Working on shifts increases the level of fatigue and sleepiness at work. Coal mining operations are required to operate continuously, and working with shifts is inevitable. In contrast, shift work increases the danger of an accident and has a negative impact on one's health. Thus, to mitigate the risks associated with shift work, it is essential to have a well-managed shift work schedule that considers the unique characteristics of each worker.