What adjustments are made to the occupational exposure limit (OEL) for shifts longer than 8 hours?

Occupational exposure limits (OELs) are set to protect workers from potential health risks associated with exposure to hazardous substances over an 8-hour work shift, which is generally considered the standard duration for most occupational settings. When shifts are longer than 8 hours, the risk of health effects from continuous exposure to harmful substances increases.

To mitigate these heightened risks, it is standard practice to reduce the OELs proportionally for longer shifts. This adjustment is made because the body may not have adequate time to recover from exposure, and prolonged exposure can lead to cumulative effects that exceed safe thresholds. By lowering the OELs for extended shifts, employers can ensure that even those working longer hours are protected from adverse health outcomes associated with exposure to toxic substances.

Therefore, a reduction in OELs for shifts longer than 8 hours reflects a precautionary approach to occupational health, taking into account the increased time workers may be exposed to hazards.