An association between night shift work and breast cancer risk has been found. Many of the known risk factors for breast cancer were corrected for in obtaining this result. Although causation is not illuminated by this study, there are authoritative bodies that have concluded that night shift work is probably carcinogenic to humans. While causation probability may still be very low, it is possible to estimate the liability exposure should causation be established and assuming this research is approximately representative of shift work more generally.
Evidence from:
J Hansen et al. Occup Environ Med (2012). doi:10.1136/oemed-2011-100240
Nested case-control study of night shift work and breast cancer risk among women in the Danish military
At a meeting on the 12th June (2012), subscribers to the Radar service will be advised as to the number of credible liability cases per year and the industry sectors potentially most affected in the UK.
While there are no specific duty of care standards relating to breast cancer risk, the chances of proving breach of duty should, in principle, be small. Duty of care standards in negligence cases can be applied with retrospective effect.