Back in the 80s where I worked there was a lot of shiftwork, in potentially hazardous plants. We wanted to know the medical science about the effects of shiftwork. We talked to lots of UK Unis. None of them were very interested - it just wasn't a sexy subject.
Back in the 80s, the only people who had evidence-based approach to shift work were the MoD.
Surprisingly, both the electricity industry and rail did not have the evidence based science we were looking for.
A bit later, but still in the 80s, there was a fashion for 12 hour shifts instead of 8 hour shifts. Again, there was no evidence for or against 12 hour shifts.
I hope this has changed now....