Trends with work-cycles and seasonality
Timing of injuries is influenced by work cycles, holidays and weather conditions. Overall
peaks tend to be during autumn and winter, the months predominantly used for harvesting.
The “post breakfast” and “post lunch” peak in accidents could be due to an evolutionary
trait where, after eating, high blood glucose levels reduce the activity of the brain cells
responsible for keeping us awake. This requires further investigation. By the end of the
working week, we can have a sleep deficit, making us less alert at the beginning of the next
week – “Monday morning blues”. The “Monday morning, Friday afternoon” syndrome
related to the cycle of a working week can cause poor concentration and there can be a
tendency to rush at work on a Friday afternoon and a lack of motivation can be prevalent
on Monday mornings (Bryson & Forth, 2007).