Many factory workers across Alabama face grueling schedules to meet production demands or earn extra income. If you are one of them, you might clock 10-, 12- or even 16-hour shifts at work. However, what you might not realize is that these extended shifts put you at serious risk for workplace injuries and long-term health problems.
Safety dangers and common injuries
Fatigue is one of the biggest hidden hazards in industrial work. Long shifts increase your likelihood of suffering various workplace injuries. When you get tired, your reaction time slows and you are more likely to make mistakes that can hurt your body.
Long shifts expose you to repetitive strain, back problems and other physical stresses. Additionally, fatigue-related accidents such as slips, trips, falls and machinery-related injuries become more common as your shift progresses.
Legal rights and protections
Alabama is an “at-will” employment state, unlike some other states. There is no maximum limit on the number of hours adult employees can work per day or week in Alabama. However, you are not without protection.
The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) entitles you to overtime pay for any hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Employers must pay nonexempt workers at least 1.5 times their regular pay rate for those hours.
More importantly, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) mandates that your employer provide a workplace “free from recognized hazards.” If your employer forces you to work long shifts that create a demonstrably unsafe environment, it may violate federal safety standards.
Practical steps
If you suffer an injury due to fatigue, you may hesitate to report it because you fear blame for the incident. However, know that Alabama’s workers’ compensation operates on a no-fault system. Even if your own fatigue contributed to the accident, you are generally still entitled to medical benefits and wage compensation.
If you feel that long shifts make your workplace dangerous, take action. Keep a log of your hours and report safety concerns to establish a record. For example, an employer may retaliate against you for reporting safety concerns or you could sustain injuries due to workplace hazards. You may want to consider seeking legal counsel to explore your options and strategies.
Subscribe To This Blog's Feed