CQU has bestowed its emerging researcher of the year award on an academic studying the relationships between shiftwork, fatigue and workplace safety.

Dr Lee Di Milia was presented with his award during CQU's Rockhampton graduation ceremonies over the weekend (Feb 26), after hearing about it while on sabattical in the USA.

He is currently fine-tuning a range of measures of biological differences in humans to create a reliable indicator of the suitability of employees for shiftwork.

This is a particularly important issue in regions like Central Queensland, where rosters enable many shiftworkers to live on the coast as long as they are prepared to drive long distances to reach their work sites.

He said that initial studies suggest it is possible to identify people with vigorous or flexible biological rhythms and that these characteristics predicted differences in alertness across the day.

A survey method which could show these characteristics would be a valuable tool (in the interests of safety on the roads and on the job) for individuals considering shiftwork and industries considering allocating shiftwork positions. ENDS.

For details call Dr Lee DiMilia 07 4930 9422