Recent research by the employment advisory service ACAS shows that almost 3.5 million people prefer night work shifts. It is evident that working at night has its advantages for employees, especially having their daytime open for other activities. Night shifts also come with a fair share of downsides. In this article, we will look at the pending safety hazards faced by night shift workers. We will also discuss the various ways employers can guarantee safety for their employees at night.

Working at night comes with an endless list of safety hazards. Every night shift employee is scared of getting attacked during these wee hours. Working at night means dealing with secluded areas and dark corridors that put employees at risk of getting assaulted or robbed. 

As a good employer, consider technology advancement for your business. Not only does technology offer security solutions, but it also makes the management of employees easier. Installing a check-in system on the business premises can provide a reliable safety confirmation tool. A good check-in system will send alerts to supervisors whenever an employee fails to do a scheduled check-in or check-out. This allows accountability of the employees’ whereabouts, facilitating safety.

Every employer needs to ensure there is a reliable, verified security system in the work premises. A sound security system has a fire detector, audio intrusion detector, and 24/7 CCTV coverage. When installing a CCTV set, choose the best night vision camera. This will facilitate effective monitoring of dark areas in the business premises. Most security firms will ensure they install a silent panic button strategically positioned to trigger and alert police. 

It is also advisable to train employees on matters of security and safety during night shifts. There should be a minimum training requirement for every night shift staff. Employees should be aware of all dos and don’ts in case of an emergency. A reward system can be created to appreciate the employees that report security threats and work within the safety guidelines.

Theft of goods, especially in warehouses, is mainly experienced during night shifts. Although employees can collaborate in such criminal activities, robbers from outside can take advantage of the night setting to steal goods. It is therefore essential to invest in automatic container seals that send alerts when tampered with. Whenever you consider technology advancement for your business, you protect both the goods and the employees. Thieves tend to target premises without proper security systems. Some goods in warehouses can get spoilt due to high light exposure, so it is vital to ensure you choose a good quality night vision camera for surveillance purposes. 

Employers should embrace groups when planning the workforce. Isolated workers are at high risk of getting attacked. If an employee must work alone, a twenty-minute communication cycle should be observed. That way, the superiors can detect when something is amiss and get the employee helped in time. 

Also, supervisors must ensure they plan shifts properly to ensure the employees are not leaving workers in strange hours. Car park areas should also be well lit. If possible, driving at night should be avoided. The employer may consider providing a consolidated transportation option to drop home all employees who use public transport or are too tired to drive.

In conclusion, all business owners should ensure they prioritize employee safety. Employees must also take an active role in ensuring they are safe by following the organization’s security protocols. Following the above measures will ensure security for employees working at night, allowing them to focus on being productive instead of worrying about their safety.