The common practice of working 24-hour shifts at U.S. fire and emergency organizations may be ripe for change.

That's the viewpoint of Chief Robert Avsec, long-time member and instructor with the Chesterfield County, Virginia, Fire and EMS. Avsec writes on the website Firechief.com: "Changes may stem from decreased employee safety and decision-making capabilities while working 24-hour shifts."

He also cites increased organizational liability and changes in worker attitudes about schedules.

Avsec refers to a National Sleep Foundation study that found sleep deprivation has an adverse effect on physical health and well-being, cognitive performance, and mood. Wonders Avsec, "How functional is an EMT or paramedic in an ambulance at 2 a.m. when he or she has been awake and on duty since 8 a.m.?" Also, according to Avsec, more than half of all EMS accidents involve ambulance operation.

[Source: OSHA Compliance Advisor. Subscribe today!]