skiftövergång

Skiftövergång, or shift transition, refers to the handover process that occurs between consecutive labor shifts in an organization. It is a critical part of operational continuity, ensuring that responsibility for tasks, information, and resources is communicated accurately at the change of guard. In most industrial, healthcare, and service settings, a well‑structured shift transition prevents errors, maintains safety standards, and supports efficiency.

During a skiftövergång, the outgoing and incoming personnel typically exchange key documents such as work orders, incident reports, safety logs, and any relevant data that could influence the incoming team’s performance. Standard practices include a verbal briefing, a written handover sheet, and sometimes a walk‑through of duties to verify that all equipment and systems are in the expected state. In regulated industries, the process is often supported by formal protocols defined by accreditation bodies or internal quality systems, and may require sign‑off by both parties. The transition period can range from a brief minute to several hours, depending on the complexity of the job and the required level of detail.

Effective skiftövergångs reduce the incidence of knowledge gaps, minimize downtime, and promote accountability. Training programs for staff often emphasize communication skills, attention to detail, and adherence to standardized handover templates. Researchers have linked robust shift transitions to improved safety outcomes in high‑risk environments such as hospitals and transportation hubs. In many countries, occupational health agencies recommend annual refreshers on handover procedures to keep staff up to date with evolving best practices.