Health and Safety Policy Arrangements – Hours of Work and Fatigue

Working hours and fatigue are critical factors in ensuring employee health, safety, and productivity. Excessive working hours and insufficient rest can lead to fatigue, which impairs concentration, decision-making, and overall performance, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. In the UK, the Working Time Regulations 1998 set limits on working hours, including a maximum of 48 hours per week on average, rest breaks, and a minimum amount of daily and weekly rest periods. Employers must monitor working hours and encourage practices that prevent fatigue, such as scheduling regular breaks, promoting flexible working arrangements, and ensuring workloads are manageable. Providing education on the importance of rest and recognizing the signs of fatigue can further help mitigate risks. By effectively managing working hours and addressing fatigue, employers can enhance employee well-being, reduce the likelihood of workplace accidents, and maintain a more productive and healthy workforce.

Take a look at the information below for things you might want to include in your own H&S policy…

Feel free to copy / paste this list, and you can find out more about our full H&S policy here.

The [Proprietor / Directors] of [My Company] will ensure that;

  1. All work activities can be carried out without unreasonable demands being made on the time of employees.
  2. All undertakings are carried out in line with the Working Time Regulations 1998 as amended.
  3. Tasks are planned to ensure that sufficient time is allowed for their completion within normal working hours.
  4. Sufficient resources are provided to ensure that tasks can be completed within reasonable time limits.
  5. Employees take adequate rest breaks during the working day based on the nature of work they are undertaking.
  6. Special provisions are made regarding working hours and breaks for young people.

Our minimum health and safety performance standards will be obtained from; but not restricted to;

  • The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
  • The Health and safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996
  • HSE’s L24 – Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare code of practice
  • The Working Time Regulations 1998

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Written By Ian