Systematic selection of shift plans for continuous production with the aid of work-physiological criteria.

Taking into account the numerous theoretically possible shift systems, we chose sensible shift systems with the aid of objective work-physiological criteria, eg, the duration of the daily working time, the positioning and duration of sleep and recreation time. With an agreed 40 h week shift, systems with a weekly working time of 42 h are more advantageous. If the shifts are equally attended over 24 h the following shift systems are recommended: when you have 8 h shifts the relation between the number of working days and the number of free days should be "3 n/n", whereby n must be larger than 1, within one shift rota. In the exceptional case of a 12 h shift the corresponding relation should be "2 n/n". Further unsuitable and recommended shift plan examples are demonstrated for these shift systems.