Short time between shifts (‘quick returns’) and risk of injury among Danish hospital workers
Summary
This cohort study analyzed payroll and injury records from more than 69,000 Danish hospital workers to test whether short recovery times between shifts increase injury risk. “Quick returns” (≤11 hours between shifts) were linked to a 39% higher risk of injury compared to standard 15–17 hour breaks. The risk was highest in the first two days following a quick return, suggesting that insufficient recovery time carries immediate safety consequences.
Why It Matters For Night Shift Workers and Night Owls
This research shows that it’s not just the length of a shift, but also the time between shifts, that drives fatigue and safety risks. When breaks are too short, the body has little chance to recover, leaving workers more vulnerable to accidents in the days that follow. For hospital staff and other shift workers, protecting recovery time between shifts is a practical and effective way to lower injury risk and support long-term well-being.
Notes
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