Workplace Injuries Rise Following Daylight Savings Change

Using U.S. Department of Labor and Mine Safety and Health Administration data, researchers from Michigan State University found that the number of workplace accidents spikes after Daylight Savings Time changes in March but not in November.

In two separate studies, they found that the March switch to Daylight Savings Time resulted in 40 minutes less sleep for American workers, a 5.7% increase in workplace injuries, and nearly 68% more work days lost to injuries.

But can losing one hour of sleep really make a difference? "Yes," said one of the researchers, "it can. Especially for those engaged in jobs requiring a high level of attention to detail. Studies have shown that lost sleep causes attention levels to drop off."

Similarly, another study found that when Canada went into daylight savings time, there was an 8 percent increase risk of accidents on the Monday after the changeover. A similar U. S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study cited sleep deprivation as the most likely cause of a 17 percent increase in accidents on the Monday following the time change.

If you or someone you care about has been injured due to workplace negligence, please contact Matt Shaffer at (800) 282-2122.