March 23, 2009
Night Shift Workers may be Exposed to Breast Cancer Risk
Following several reports that link night shift work hours to breast cancer, concerns have been raised in the UK and the HSE has ordered a research into the matter. A distinguished epidemiologist will be leading the research commission. This information was conveyed to the BBC by the Chief Medical Officer of the HSE, Dr. John Osmond, who also said that the report is expected to be completed by 2011.
The worrying link came to public attention when the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a UN body, ruled that women working night shits are at an increased risk of falling prey to breast cancer. The Danish Government has, in light of the ruling, decided to pay compensation to women who are suffering from breast cancer, with late night working hours a possible cause for their disease. The Government has already compensated 40 such women.
It is feared that the number of people at risk in the UK will be quite high too, as 20% of workers here work in night shifts.
Companies need to be sure that they are giving the correct instructions to employees with regard to health and safety issues. Companies should make themselves fully aware of the most up-to-date requirements by visiting Workplace Law and looking at their highly regarded nebosh training course.
Night shift workers have always been at risk of other health problems such as indigestion, irregular sleep cycles and exhaustion. However, the new link between the deadly breast cancer and late night work, if proven, will raise grave concerns for a large number of people.
