Gillette Wyoming Blog

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Shift Work Changes – How to Stay Awake and Stay Employed

It;s been estimated that over 20% of the US population is doing some type of shift work at the any given time. Companies use shift work to increase production. But frequent shift changes can actually reduce production instead of increasing it. If you do shift work and need to find an easy way to stay awake (and stay on the job) then read the tips in this article.

What is it that Makes Changing Shifts so Hard?

The human body has a natural energy system called the circadian rhythm. Your energy flows in cycles from peak highs to lows. We all know the instinctive urge to fall asleep when our circadian rhythm has reached a low point.

When we change to a new work schedule, it may take a week or two but our circadian rhythm eventually resyncs and we stay alert doing working hours and sleep when we are off shift. That is if the work change is permanent.

But rotating shift work can create what is called shift lag. Shift lag is very similar to jet lag or sleep depravation. Basically your body never really gets back into sync before you change schedules on it. Shift lag is the leading cause of poor work performance and industrial accidents.

Some tips to help you with shift lag:

• Forget the OT working overtime or a extra shift sounds like a good way to make extra money, but sleep depravation because of shift lag with cost you in the long run if you are hurt.
• Move closer to Work A long commute to and from work, burns up valuable sleep time. Plus you will be more prone to falling asleep at the wheel driving longer distances.
• Avoid rotating shifts It’s the changing of work shifts more than once a week that messes up your circadian rhythm not the shift itself.
• Sleep in If possible catch up on your sleep when you are off shift. This can very difficult for people with families. But getting a good night’s sleep can make you feel better and increase your work production.

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Handing Off the Shift – How to Handle Communications during Shift Changes

Most industries schedule their employees to work rotating shifts, be it an old fashioned 8-on-8-off or a long 12 hours; handing off the shift or changing shifts can be both difficult and time consuming when fatigue and work stress take their toll. How can you make your shift changeover go more smoothly? Read and use the tips in this article to make every shift hand off work like butter.

1) Keep a Trouble Log for Your Shift

Some companies use trouble logs, while others feel that they are unnecessary and a nuisance. A trouble log doesn’t have to be anything formal, just a wire bound notebook with do just fine. To make it work, just write down everything happens on your shift that you find is troublesome, needs repair or is something the other guys should know about. You can staple copies company memos or emails inside for reference. But a trouble log is a great reminder for both you and the next shift.

2) Keep a personal notepad

Okay, your shift super or company doesn’t approve of a public trouble log. That’s fine but part of your job depends on you making sure that the oncoming shift is kept up to date with what is going on, right? So just keep a notebook just for you. Buy a smaller pocket pad and keep a pen handy so you can write down little memory joggers so can be sure you communicate exactly what the oncoming guys need to know.

3) Use voicemail and email as a backup (if you have too)

If you think you will not remember something really important, you can always email or call and leave a voicemail for your boss or the incoming shift super. Most people don’t mind getting a message about work if it is really important. But use common sense with this one, if you know someone hates getting called at home, don’t do it!

These 3 tips should make communicating between shifts go faster and easier. Why not try them out and see.

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Tell me a little bit about yourself, what you have to offer and why you would like to write for the Gillette Wyoming Blog. Compensation will be minimal, but it would be fun and would be great for a stay at home mom.

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COME AND HELP A FAMILY IN NEED!
Katelynn Hecht Memorial 5K Fun Run/Walk
Saturday, September 6, 2008

Distance: 5K Run/Walk

Registration Fee: $ 20.00 Adult (ages 13 and over)
$ 5.00 Child (ages 12 and under)

Race Day Registration Lakeview Elementary 6:45 a.m.- 7: 15 a.m.
And Race Location: 410 Lakeside Drive

Starting Times: Runners will begin at 8:00 a.m.
Walkers will begin at 7:30 a.m.

Race Director: Vanessa Gemar 307-660-8527

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In case you didn’t get your chance to make it to the Sturgis Rally yet, there is a couple days left if you still want to go. The Sturgis Rally runs from August 4th thru 10th, 2008.

CLICK HERE FOR THE RALLY SCHEDULE!

Get ready Gillette for the most amazing and incredible fireworks display you have ever seen! There will be 3 different nights of fireworks displays and the cost is $20 per car. CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS