Using Total Worker Health® Concepts to Reduce Fatigue among Retail Workers

In recent years, retail workers in the United States have engaged in more shift work and longer work hours [Katz and Krueger 2016; Greenhouse 2015]. These schedules can result in fatigue and related health issues. Through its Total Worker Health® (TWH) Program, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends an integrated approach to addressing fatigue in retail work. An integrated approach is one that protects workers from work-related injury and illness and helps them advance their overall health and well-being, on and off the job. The approach includes addressing factors that affect both the workplace and home life, including autonomy at work, workload, and environmental factors. This document describes organizational practices related to scheduling, flexibility, and the work environment that can help address the causes and consequences of fatigue among retail workers.

Using Total Worker Health® Concepts to Reduce Fatigue among Retail Workers [PDF – 2 MB]