8210072 Working Conditions and health status of fixed night shift workers at logistics centers

<h3>Objectives</h3> A significant number of workers in logistics centers engage in fixed night shifts. Due to higher wages associated with night shift allowances compared to day shifts, many workers prefer night work over day shifts. However, night work, combined with the high labor intensity of logistics centers and the lack of protection from extreme cold or heat, has made workers’ health vulnerable. The number of workers who perform fixed night shifts for more than 20 days per month is increasing. This study aimed to investigate the working conditions and health status of fixed night shift workers in logistics centers. <h3>Methods</h3> The working conditions, environment, and health status of logistics center workers engaged in fixed night shifts were assessed through surveys and interviews. <h3>Results</h3> A total of 270 fixed night shift workers in logistics centers responded to the survey, and the responses were analyzed. On average, the workers worked 9.4 hours per day, with meal breaks totaling 52 minutes and rest breaks averaging 55 minutes daily. Respondents reported experiencing sleep disorders, fatigue, weight loss, vision impairment, and gastrointestinal issues after working at logistics centers. The labor intensity of fixed night shift workers in logistics centers was high. There was a slight tendency for lower prevalence rates of most diseases among fixed night shift workers with long tenure, which was attributed to the healthy workers survivor effect. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The physical and mental health of fixed night shift workers in logistics centers was poor. Although the workers recognized that fixed night shifts were detrimental to their health, they exhibited a strong tendency to continue working night shifts. The primary reason was economic, as night shifts provided higher wages, and there were limited options for earning comparable wages during daytime shifts.