Oberhausen-Lirich lock's night shift gets a new employee: Frederick Cordes

In a notable display of solidarity, Frederick Cordes, a member of the transport committee of the North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) state parliament, worked a night shift at the Lirich Lock on the Rhine-Herne Canal on March 23, 2023. This action was a testament to Cordes' commitment to highlighting the essential role of inland navigation and the challenges faced by those working night shifts in this sector.

The Rhine-Herne Canal is a crucial artery for the industrial heartland of NRW, facilitating the transportation of goods that would otherwise require approximately 100 trucks. The Lirich Lock, operated by the Waterways and Shipping Authority West German Canals, is a central pillar of the state's transport infrastructure.

Cordes underscored the need for increased investment in the infrastructure of waterways and strengthening inland shipping. He also emphasized the importance of attracting more specialists and enhancing training in the area of inland navigation.

Night work, a common practice in Germany, presents both advantages and challenges. While it offers operational benefits such as avoiding peak traffic and extended operational hours, it also poses health risks, disruptions to social life, and interference with natural sleep patterns.

In the context of inland navigation, night shifts are essential for efficient cargo transport and meeting tight schedules. Night shipping can help mitigate daytime traffic congestion and optimize delivery times, but it demands careful management of crew scheduling and health to prevent fatigue-related accidents.

German labor regulations may provide compensations or specific protections for night shift workers, given the known health and social challenges involved. Employers in this sector face the challenge of balancing operational demands with workers’ health and well-being, requiring strategies for managing shift transitions, rest periods, and safety protocols on vessels.

Cordes expressed his respect for the colleagues at the Lirich Lock and acknowledged the importance of their work. He also highlighted the significance of night work in various services, such as helping people in need, providing care, keeping production running, organizing security, and preparing for the next day.

Employees in the inland navigation sector can share their experiences, thoughts, and answers to questions about night work online at www.nachtschicht.nrw. This platform provides an opportunity for workers to voice their concerns and contribute to the ongoing discussion about the challenges and benefits of night work in this crucial sector.

[1] Dijk, H. (2019). Night work and health: A review of the evidence. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 76(7), 465-471. [2] European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. (2018). Night work. Retrieved from https://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/night-work [3] Health and Safety Executive. (2020). Night work. Retrieved from https://www.hse.gov.uk/topics/night-work [4] International Labour Organization. (2019). Night work. Retrieved from https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/night-work/lang--en/index.htm [5] National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2020). Night shift work and circadian disruption. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nightshiftwork/

In light of the important role of inland navigation in Germany's industrial heartland, it is crucial for the science of workplace-wellness to focus on enhancing the health-and-wellness of workers in this sector, especially those who work night shifts.
The finance industry could play a significant role in supporting the inland navigation sector by investing in home-and-garden style living accommodations near workplace locations to promote employee health and lifestyle improvements.
By conducting research in the area of inland navigation, the transportation industry can develop strategies to ensure the well-being of employees working night shifts while ensuring the efficiency of cargo transport.
As night shifts in various services, including inland navigation, can have both operational benefits and health risks, it is essential for the industry to collaborate with health-and-wellness organizations to implement necessary safeguards and improve overall workplace conditions.