An increased number of individuals work shift schedules because of a service oriented economy, increased technology, and continuous plant operations. Changes in work environments and schedules may lead to increased risk of injury. Traumatic injuries, considered one of the leading causes of death and disability, are a major occupational health concern. Therefore, a study was conducted to examine predictors of adaptation to shiftwork, predictors of injury status among shiftworkers, and whether differences in adaptation to shiftwork exist between injured and non-injured workers.

The Roy Adaptation Model provided the framework which guided this research. Scores from the Circadian Type Indicator (CTI), Revised Jalowiec Coping Scale, Environmental Factors Scale, Risk Taking Questionnaire, and Adaptation Index along with injury status and sociodemographic characteristics were used to examine the extent to which adaptation or injury status could be predicted. Reliability of the instruments was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Factor analysis on the CTI yielded a revised instrument for analysis.

The sample of convenience consisted of 239 papermill workers in the Southeast who worked a permanent backward rotation schedule. Thirty nine subjects reported an injury since working the rotating shift schedule. The typical subject was a married, white male in this early 40s with a high school education and over 8 years on rotating shifts.

Multiple regression revealed 10 significant predictors of adaptation to shiftwork (R$sp2$ =.5136, F = 24.08, df = 10/228, p $<$.001). Significant predictors included: vigor/rest circadian factor, use of emotive and supportant coping styles, and work environment. The number of years on rotating shifts, age, and ability to wake before alarm predicted injuries (R$sp2$ =.094, F = 8.15, df = 3/235, p $<$.001). A two group discriminant analysis revealed no significant difference in adaptation for injured and non-injured shiftworkers. The researcher concluded some of the variance in adaptation scores and injury status in industrial workers on rotating shifts could be explained. Findings from this study supported the theoretical framework of the shiftworker as an adaptive system derived from the Roy Adaptation Model. Recommendations were made for additional research related to adaptation and injuries in shiftworkers.