Shift work

Information on the legislation underpinning the safe management of shift work

Shift work legislation

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (external site) places the general duty on you to ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of all your employees.

To achieve this you need to provide adequate:

  • training
  • instruction
  • information
  • supervision

It also places duties on employees to take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others. They must co-operate with their employer to help them meet their legal obligations.

The management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (external site) places a duty on employers to assess and manage risks to their employees and others arising from work activities. Employees must work safely in accordance with their training and the instructions given to them.

The Working Time Regulations 1998 (as amended) (WTR)

The Working Time Regulations 1998 (as amended) (WTR) lay down the minimum legal requirements on how to organise working time.

Safety Representatives and Safety Committee Regulations 1977

The Safety Representatives and Safety Committee Regulations 1977 and the Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996 explained how employers consult their employees and their Trade Union Representatives on health and safety issues within the workplace.