The Goldilocks model of overtime in construction: not too much, not too little, but just right

Problem: Little research exists on the relationship between working overtime and possible adverse health and safety outcomes for construction workers. Method: Five focus-group discussions were conducted with construction workers from around the United States. From the analyzed transcripts, a model of overtime was developed. Results: The model includes three dominant themes: (1) work organization issues [(a) definitions of overtime, (b) scheduling, and (e) economic conditions], (2) why workers choose to work overtime [(a) management expectations, (b) career, and (c) money], and (3) the effects of working overtime [(a) health and safety, including sleep deprivation, injury, fatigue, and stress, and (b) productivity]. Discussion: Health and safety is only one of the adverse outcomes related to working too much overtime. A list of worker-inspired recommendations for addressing overtime issues is provided. Impact on the Industry: Both employers and workers need to better understand the potential adverse effects of working too much overtime. (C) 2003 National Safety Council and Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.