Long Term Effects of Non-Stop Operations. Emergency Situations Personnel Specificities

Shift work is widely spread as a way to organize the schedule for workplaces in many domains. While having many advantages in the use of a work place more efficiently and the precise timing of delivering results, there are also many disruptions that occur especially in the field of safety and security of workers. Shift work constitutes a multifactorial health hazard affecting circadian physiology, acute performance, and long‑term disease risk (gastro‑intestinal, metabolic, cardiovascular, oncologic, reproductive and mental health). Effective mitigation requires a systemic approach that integrates ergonomic shift design, regular medical surveillance, worker education and organizational support. This article aims at presenting an analysis of the long-term effects on a branch of work that has unique specificities, fire-fighters. Nevertheless, the paper provides a wide range of recommendations in order to mitigate these effects and presents scientific reasons for implementing an array of procedures that lead to a better organised workplace and prolonged professional activity.