48-96 shift schedule

by Jim Saladin

Apr 30, 2008

I am curious if anyone has, or, is currently utilizing the 48-96 shift schedule? It has been brought up for discussion within our department. We are currently working three 24 hour shifts with a day off in between, after the third day we have four days off. I am having a hard time believing the concept of the "increased productivity" quoted in studies that have been provided by proponents of the 48-96 schedule. I have tried to envision working another 24 hours after working the previous 24 and I am ready to go home and catch some zzz's.

How does this work out for the single parents? I think it would be difficult at best to obtain a sitter for a 24 hour shift, yet alone a 48 hour shift. Seems crazy to me just to justify having 4 consecutive days off.

How do the spouses/significant others feel about this type of schedule? How does it impact overtime staffing, sporting event standbys, and sick leave usage? Do you rotate personnel off medic units for the next 24 hour shift? What about keeping up with departmental training, inspections and other activities? If a crew was busy the previous day (call wise) how do you accomodate that for the next 24 hour duty day?

Due to the Division Chiefs work load how do you manage their schedule?

Your input is greatly appreciated,

Jim Saladin aka (Captain Sal)
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  • up

    Michael D. Wilson CFEI, MDI

    Our department works a 24 / 48. This is a well established work schedule for our department, and works well for families. Being a father of two elementary age children, and having staff members with children, I feel it doesn't work well in the family setting for fathers or mothers to be away from the family longer than that of the 24 hour work schedule. Some states have governing laws that prevent firefighters and paramedics from working longer than 24 hours. I would recommend you check labor laws and governing laws before switching, also concider what the schedule does to call backs and overtime budgets. Our local medical team does work upto 36 hours, however they recommend that staff does not work more than 36. Our Command Staff of the Fire Chief, Chief of Inspections and Chief of Training have scheduled 8 hour days, that turn into longer than that. We also rotate on Duty Chief schedule to respond nights and week-ends for Command Staff, we are excempt employees from overtime.

    Stay save.

    Jul 25, 2008

  • up

    Kevin Wattenbarger

    We too are currently surveying members about a trial of this schedule. For the most part, all the research I've found indicates reduced overall fatigue, more time at home, no effect on FLSA (same amount of shifts in a year), and so on. One of the biggest things we've encountered is some of our members are married to shift-workers on their same shift at other departments in our county. I uploaded a few files we've come across doing research. There's definitely a lot more info out there on the web. Good luck with your efforts whether you're for or against it.

    Aug 4, 2008

  • up

    Jim Saladin

    This is some very useful information.

    Thank you,
    Jim Saladin
    (Sal)

    Aug 5, 2008