While most residents of Western Pennsylvania are anxiously awaiting spring weather and longer days, most would likely be content to pass on the loss of an hour that comes with the end of day light savings time. The nagging sense of drowsiness for a few days following the change is an irritation to many. As it turns out, it could pose a danger to certain workers.

A study conducted several years ago supports this notion. The study determined that at the start of the work week following the time change, workers are operating with an average of 40 minutes less sleep than normal. While this may not seem like much time, when it comes to work accidents, those minutes make a difference. This is particularly true when the job a worker holds is considered to be hazardous. The increase in the number of workplace injuries in that industry due to the time change is 5.7 percent.

The reason behind the increase is obvious. Workers who are sleepy have a hard time concentrating on the tasks they are performing.

In addition to more injuries occurring in hazardous workplaces, the injuries suffered are also more serious and result in workers missing longer periods of time from work. An outcome such as this one isn't good for either the worker or the employer. While the worker must suffer through the medical recovery, in most cases, the worker's employer will incur costs associated with workers' compensation benefits paid to the injured employee. These benefits are paid through a workers' compensation insurance policy that most employers in the state of Pennsylvania are required to purchase.

Source: Zanesville Times Recorder, "Study shows time change affects worker safety," Jim Evans, March 16, 2013