The Dangers of Working Long Hours

The World Health Organization and International Labor Organization released a study regarding the number of heart attack and stroke deaths linked to working long hours. In this article, we’ll look at the risks workers face when working extended shifts, and what employers can do to help them avoid fatigue on the job. (Credit: forestpath/Fotolia)

When one thinks about a dangerous workplace, it’s common to picture employees using heavy equipment, working from heights, wielding sharp tools, etc. But there’s one risk that has led to an increase in deaths over the last several years: working long hours.

The trend to work long hours, or over the standard 40-hour workweek, has been on the rise for many years. And with the increase in people working from home throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, working longer hours has steadily become the norm. Around 9% of the global population works at least 55 hours a week.