'It's eye-opening to see how some sectors, like natural resources and agriculture, consistently show up as areas with an especially high workload'
Overworking is an unhealthy habit, and it seems workers in Atlantic Canada are leading Canadians when it comes to this bad deed, according to a recent report.
Newfoundland and Labrador is the most overworked province, with workers clocking an average of 38.18 hours per week across all occupations, reports Alberta-based personal injury law firm Preszler Injury Lawyers.
In this province, workers in natural resources, agriculture and other similar jobs are the most overworked, clocking an average of 54.23 hours per week, according to the report that analyzed data from Statistics Canada (StatCan) and the National Occupational Classification.
Workers in Prince Edward Island came in second, working an average of 37.36 hours per week. At third, New Brunswick workers clock in 36.87 hours weekly.
“It’s interesting to see the differences in working hours across Canadian provinces. It’s particularly eye-opening to see how some sectors, like natural resources and agriculture, consistently show up as areas with an especially high workload,” a spokesperson for Preszler Injury Lawyers, according to a Financial Post report.
Nova Scotia, came in sixth on the list, with an average workweek of 36.06 hours.
Quebec was the only province to fall below 35 hours per week, at 34.72 hours.
“The data goes to show the varying demands placed on workers in different regions and industries and how employees in these sectors may need specialized support in order to avoid burnout, or injuries due to getting tired on the job.”
Many workers feel they are exerting far too much effort at work, and some are considering moving on to new employment, according to a previous report.
Factors that play a role in fatigue
The Workplace Safety & Prevention Services WSPS notes that ergonomic factors that play a role in fatigue include:
- Job/task design: Carrying out high demand tasks requiring heavy physical activity over a long period of time can produce fatigue, as can boring and monotonous jobs.
- Shiftwork: This can affect circadian rhythms and alertness. For instance, don't schedule tasks at times of decreased alertness (end of shift, early afternoon, and early hours of the morning). Using bright light during night shifts increases alertness and performance, but can have adverse health effects. These effects can be avoided by blocking light of wavelengths shorter than 480 nm.
- Environment: "Poor lighting, inadequate ventilation, poor workstation design, noise levels and chemical exposure can all increase fatigue and create greater a risk of injury," says WSPS Consultant Julia Lok.
How can fatigue be prevented in the workplace?
Here’s how employers can help workers avoid experiencing fatigue at work:
- Rest. To enhance alertness, set reasonable performance expectations, provide adequate breaks, schedule micro-breaks between meetings, reduce the frequency and duration of meetings, accommodate increased caregiving responsibilities, and where possible enable employees to align work schedules with their natural energy and attention levels.
- Employee education. Create awareness by discussing:
- The hazards of working while fatigued.
- The importance of sleep (quantity and quality).
- The basics of sleep physiology and circadian rhythms.
- How to recognize fatigue and what to do about it.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant rise in remote and hybrid work models is enabling workers to devote equal amounts of time and energy to their jobs and families, according to previous research from the University of Waterloo.