P017 The Sleep and Sleep Environment of Shift Workers in Extractive Industries: Methodology to Assess the On-Site and At-Home Sleep Environment

Abstract

Abstract Shift work in extractive industries, such as mining, oil and gas, harvesting, and quarrying industries, often involves long working hours, shifts scheduled opposite the biological rhythm, and a variety of roster designs. Initial studies indicate that shift workers in extractive industries experience poor sleep, including short sleep duration and poor sleep quality. Sleep loss may result in fatigue, increasing the risk of accidents and productivity loss. The sleep environment may be a crucial factor impacting sleep, therefore, warranting investigation and potential optimisation. This study aims to 1) characterise the sleep environment of shift workers in extractive industries, and 2) determine sleep environment factors that negatively affect the sleep of shift workers in extractive industries. This study consists of a self-report and an objective assessment of sleep environment and sleep, utilising a large sample and a subsample, respectively. This study applies survey instruments, wearables, and data loggers to obtain data on sleep quantity and quality, and sleep environment, including light and temperature. Generalised linear modelling will be applied to examine the relationships between sleep environment factors and sleep metrics. Various covariates, known to influence sleep, will be included in the statistical models. The results from this study will contribute to the understanding of the impact of the on-site and at-home sleep environments on the sleep of shift workers in extractive industries. Furthermore, the results will inform strategies for the development and improvement of on-site accommodation and at-home sleep environment.