Driftsskift

Driftsskift is a term used in Nordic industrial contexts to denote an operational shift—the organized assignment of a team to monitor and control a facility during a defined period. In continuous-operations environments such as chemical plants, oil and gas facilities, power stations, and large manufacturing sites, driftsskift teams are responsible for maintaining production, safety, and regulatory compliance during their shift.

A driftsskift typically runs on a fixed time block, most commonly eight, ten, or twelve hours, and may be part of a rotating pattern that covers day, evening, and night periods. The composition of a driftsskift varies by site but usually includes process operators, control-room staff, and a shift supervisor or team lead.

Core duties include monitoring process variables with control systems, adjusting settings within approved procedures, starting or stopping equipment as required, responding to alarms, performing routine rounds, and recording data and incidents. Operators coordinate with maintenance, instrument technicians, and safety personnel to resolve issues and minimize downtime. A formal handover at the shift change ensures continuity of operations, with the outgoing team communicating ongoing issues, recent changes, and safety concerns.

Safety and worker welfare are central to driftsskift management. Employers typically implement fatigue mitigation, adequate rest breaks, rotas that minimize long runs of night shifts, training on standard operating procedures, and procedures for reporting hazards.

See also: shift work, handover, production scheduling, continuous process.