How Daylight Saving Time Increases Workplace Accidents and How to Prevent Them

On Sunday, March 9, 2025, at exactly 2:00 a.m., most of us experienced “spring forward” and sacrificed an hour of precious sleep – all for daylight saving time. Sounds like a theoretical idea, right? Well, not so much when you’re struggling to keep your eyes open at work the next day.

Here’s the kicker: According to researchers David Wagner and Christopher Barnes, who published their findings in the Journal of Applied Psychology, the Monday after the time shift sees a 5.7% spike in workplace injuries and a 68% increase in lost workdays. Why? Because sleep-deprived employees are more prone to errors, and in some workplaces, those mistakes can be downright dangerous.

So, how can you dodge these seasonal workplace hazards? From smarter workplace safety timing to practical accident prevention strategies, this blog will help you keep your team alert, safe, and productive during the daylight saving slump.

How Daylight Saving Time Affects Workplace Safety?

A study of hospital admissions across Michigan found a 24% increase in heart attacks on the Monday following the switch to daylight saving time. 

Ever feel like your brain’s running on dial-up speed after daylight saving time (DST)? That’s because losing an hour of sleep messes with your workplace safety timing. When we "spring forward," our circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock, gets out of sync. This disruption affects cognitive function, slows reaction times, and reduces employee alertness, making workplaces more accident-prone.

These health risks are believed to stem from the disruption of our circadian rhythm due to altered sleep schedules. Increased car accidents and workplace injuries also occur following the clock change, attributed to sleep deprivation and decreased visibility.

Why does this happen? Simple, employee alertness takes a nosedive when we lose sleep. Reaction times slow down, judgment becomes cloudy, and those little mistakes can turn into big accidents. Imagine a construction worker misjudging a step or a truck driver losing focus on the road, classic examples of seasonal workplace hazards that can be deadly.

But we have good news! With smart accident prevention strategies, like adjusting shift schedules and promoting better sleep habits, workplaces can help employees stay sharp and safe,  even when the clocks are working against us.

Industries Most Affected by Daylight Saving Time

When daylight saving time and workplace safety go head-to-head, it’s not just your sleep schedule that suffers — your company’s bottom line takes a hit, too. According to economist William F. Shughart II, the biannual clock change costs businesses a whopping $1.7 billion in lost productivity.

Industries that depend on employee alertness are particularly vulnerable to these seasonal workplace hazards.

But don’t hit the panic button just yet! Let’s explore which industries are most affected.

Construction and Manufacturing

In these hands-on environments, precision and focus are critical. Operating heavy machinery, handling hazardous materials, and working at heights demand full concentration. When workers are sleep-deprived due to the time change, reaction times slow down, increasing the likelihood of falls, equipment malfunctions, and injuries. Studies have shown a noticeable uptick in workplace incidents in the days following the time shift, largely due to fatigue and impaired judgment.

Healthcare Sector 

Doctors, nurses, and emergency responders often work long shifts, sometimes overnight. When daylight saving time adds sleep disruption to an already exhausting schedule, mistakes in administering medication, misdiagnosing conditions, or surgical errors become more likely. Additionally, patient care can suffer due to reduced attentiveness and slower response times.

Transportation and Logistics 

Truck drivers, pilots, and public transit operators are especially vulnerable to fatigue-related errors when their internal clocks are thrown off balance. A study published in Current Biology reveals a rise in traffic accidents and near-misses during the week following the time change. Given that these professionals are responsible for the safety of passengers and cargo, the risks associated with reduced employee alertness are significant.

Corporate Offices and IT Professionals 

While the physical danger may be lower in office environments, cognitive functions like decision-making, data analysis, and communication can be impaired due to sleep loss. This can lead to costly errors, missed deadlines, and poor collaboration among teams. For IT professionals managing critical systems and cybersecurity, a lack of focus can result in data breaches or system failures.

Emergency Services and Law Enforcement

Police officers, firefighters, and paramedics are often on the front lines, responding to life-threatening situations. Sleep deprivation from daylight saving time can impair judgment, slow reaction times, and increase the risk of errors during high-pressure scenarios. Given the unpredictable nature of emergencies, fatigue can compromise public safety and endanger both the responders and those they serve.

Effective Strategies to Prevent Workplace Accidents

Implementing comprehensive workplace safety programs has been shown to reduce occupational injuries significantly. For example, the Norwalk Fire Department in Connecticut achieved a 27% annual reduction in workers' compensation costs over five years by introducing an Injury Prevention and Wellness Program focused on fitness, mobility training, nutrition, and mental wellness.

Read on to learn the best strategies to keep your workplace safe and productive!

Introduce Flexible Work Hours

Jumping straight into your regular work schedule after losing sleep is a disaster waiting to happen. Instead, allow flexible start times or shorter shifts for the first few days after the clock changes. This allows the body to gradually adjust to the new rhythm, reducing the shock to the system.

Power Naps: Your Secret Weapon

A 20-minute power nap can work wonders for boosting concentration and productivity. Set up designated rest areas where employees can recharge during breaks. It’s like hitting the “refresh” button on your brain, which can significantly lower the risk of accidents.

Brighten Up Workspaces

Your body’s circadian rhythm responds to light, and exposure to bright, natural light helps reset your internal clock. In transportation and logistics, ensuring well-lit workspaces and clear signage can help combat fatigue-related errors. For office workers, exposure to natural light or bright artificial light can help reset the body's internal clock and improve focus.

Prioritize Proper Nutrition

While coffee is the go-to fix for most sleep-deprived workers, relying solely on caffeine leads to energy crashes. Offer healthy snacks like nuts, fruits, and whole grains to maintain steady energy levels throughout the day. And don’t forget to keep those water stations filled — dehydration can also lead to fatigue.

Promote Better Sleep Hygiene

Implementing good sleep hygiene practices can significantly improve sleep quality; a recent study found that 76.5% of individuals with poor sleep hygiene experienced sleep problems like insomnia and daytime sleepiness. Employers can also offer wellness programs that focus on stress management and relaxation techniques.

Strengthen Safety Protocols

Implementing comprehensive safety programs in the construction industry has been associated with a 4% to 7% increase in project profits and a decrease in accident rates when firms invest approximately 2.5% of project costs into safety training and procedures.

Keep Hydration in Check

Dehydration often leads to sluggishness and poor concentration. Ensure easy access to water stations and remind employees to stay hydrated throughout the day. A hydrated brain means sharper focus and fewer errors.

Regular Health and Wellness Checks

Conducting regular health screenings to monitor fatigue levels and mental well-being can help identify employees who may be struggling with the time change. Offering mental health support and counseling can also reduce stress and improve overall productivity.

Don't Let the Clock Win

So, there you have it: daylight saving time and workplace safety don't make the best pair. The onset of daylight saving time can disrupt our internal clocks, leading to decreased employee alertness and an increased risk of accidents. However, with proactive measures and proper training, these challenges can be effectively managed.

But why stop here? If you're serious about enhancing employee alertness and mastering workplace safety timing, it's time to level up your safety game.

Head over to the OSHA 10/30 Course, the ultimate guide to identifying and preventing workplace risks. Whether you're on the factory floor or managing a team in the office, this course will help you prepare for a safer and smarter work environment.

Don't let daylight saving time catch you off guard. Get certified, stay alert, and keep your workplace accident-free.