Does your business employ night workers?
A night shift worker is defined as a worker, who performs 3 hours of duties between 23:00 and 06:00. The working time directive
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2003/1684/contents/made
The HSE advises, employees should be offered a night shifts health assessment before starting their role, then annually.
Night Shift Assessments
Night shift assessments are carried out to identify risks associated with health, to identify any reasonable adjustments the business may need to consider and to determine the worker is fit to undertake the work which they have been assigned.
Night shifts on occasions can affect the health of workers, with existing health condition.
Night shifts may increase the risk of complications from;
- Anxiety, depression and other mood disorders.
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Respiratory conditions
- Heart or circulatory conditions.
- Sleep disorders
Nights can also pose a risk to health of employees who struggle with their sleep cycle, and natural bodily rhythms or have time critical events in their personal lives. Knowing about these risks, can help support the business and the employees.
What is a night work health assessment?
A night shift worker assessment is a questionnaire which asks a selection of questions in relation to the client’s overall health.
If there are potential risks to health or the safety of the workplace, the employee is offered a clinical appointment, or the questionnaire is discussed during an onsite health assessment and recommendations are made.
Records of Health Assessments
As with all health surveillance, it is important that there is a record of the assessment. It is advised, you keep a record of the following:
- The employees’ personal details
- The job role or type of work being undertaken
- The results of the assessment – eg fit – fit with advice.
- When the assessment was offered, whether the employee attended, or whether they did not attend.
We can carry out a comprehensive occupational health assessment on your night shift workers as well as a number of other occupational health services and checks. If you would like to learn more, please contact us on 01904 750375.
