The "Goldilocks model" of overtime in construction: not too much, not too little, but just right.

OBJECTIVE

Little research exists on the relationship between working overtime and possible adverse health and safety outcomes for construction workers.

METHODS

Five focus-group discussions were conducted with construction workers from around the United States. From the analyzed transcripts, a model of overtime was developed.

RESULTS

The model includes three dominant themes: (1) work organization issues [(a) definitions of overtime, (b) scheduling, and (c) economic conditions], (2) why workers choose to work overtime [(a) management expectations, (b) career, and (c) money], and (3) the effects of working overtime [(a) health and safety, including sleep deprivation, injury, fatigue, and stress, and (b) productivity].

CONCLUSIONS

Health and safety is only one of the adverse outcomes related to working too much overtime. A list of worker-inspired recommendations for addressing overtime issues is provided.

CONCLUSIONS

Both employers and workers need to better understand the potential adverse effects of working too much overtime.