Working Time Regulations 1998

NIGHT WORKER SCREENING

Assessment

We can help your organisation comply with the Working Time Regulations 1998 by undertaking night worker health assessments. Employees complete a Night Worker Health Assessment Questionnaire which is posted directly to us for confidential assessment. You are then notified of the employee’s fitness for night work and, if necessary, of any particular support the employee may need to continue to work effectively.

For more information about the Working Time Regulations, click here.

Unsuitability for Night Work

If the employee is found to be unsuitable for night work, we would inform you if the employee is considered disabled under the terms of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and provide advice on how you can meet your obligations under the Act.

For more information about the Disability Discrimination Act, click here.

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WORKING TIME REGULATIONS 1998

As there are some medical conditions which can be made worse by night work, the Working Time Regulations 1998 oblige employers to provide those employees who work nights with a free health assessment on a periodic basis. The purpose of the assessment is to determine whether the employee is fit to carry out night work or identify any health problems that may have arisen as a consequence of working night shifts.

The regulations do not state how often health assessments should be carried out, other than noting that they should be conducted at regular intervals. The Society of Occupational Medicine suggests the frequency of assessments be based on the following time intervals:

	Up to age 45	Every three years
	Up to age 60	Every two years
	60 years +	Every year thereafter

If a night worker has had a prolonged period of sickness absence, or several short spells of absence, or is exposed to any special hazards prior to the next scheduled assessment, an assessment should take place sooner.

As night worker health assessments are voluntary, employees may decline the offer of an assessment.

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