The Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine recently tested the health and safety effects of working longer hours.

The results of a recent study conducted by the Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine show no evidence that overtime work produced adverse effects to the health and safety of workers.  No adverse effects were found by the study until the hours worked exceeded 60. Employees who worked over 60 hours per week did have a higher incidence rate of reporting new injuries and diagnoses, but these effects were limited by prior health, demographics and compensation type.

The study shows that prior diseases and health status have a much higher impact on safety and health than overtime hours worked.