The “Goldilocks model” of overtime in construction: not too much, not too little, but just right

• Published in: Journal of safety research 2003-04, Vol.34 (2), p.215-226
• Main Authors: Goldenhar, Linda M., Hecker, Steven, Moir, Susan, Rosecrance, John
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Construction; Facility Design and Construction - manpower; Fatigue; Focus Groups; Humans; Injury; Interviews as Topic; Occupational Health; Overtime; Qualitative research methods; Safety; Safety and health; United States; Work Schedule Tolerance; Workers
• ISSN: 0022-4375; 1879-1247
• DOI: 10.1016/S0022-4375(03)00010-0

Problem: Little research exists on the relationship between working overtime and possible adverse health and safety outcomes for construction workers. Method: Five focus-group discussions were conducted with construction workers from around the United States. From the analyzed transcripts, a model of overtime was developed. Results: The model includes three dominant themes: (1) work organization issues [(a) definitions of overtime, (b) scheduling, and (c) economic conditions], (2) why workers choose to work overtime [(a) management expectations, (b) career, and (c) money], and (3) the effects of working overtime [(a) health and safety, including sleep deprivation, injury, fatigue, and stress, and (b) productivity]. Discussion: Health and safety is only one of the adverse outcomes related to working too much overtime. A list of worker-inspired recommendations for addressing overtime issues is provided. Impact on the Industry: Both employers and workers need to better understand the potential adverse effects of working too much overtime.