subject: Why It's Important to Take Work Breaks [print this page] Why It's Important to Take Work Breaks Why It's Important to Take Work Breaks
It's important for employees to take regular breaks at work, for health and safety reasons. The employer and employee can negotiate the details of the breaks as part of the employment agreement. The agreement should specify how long a break is, and how often a break should be taken, as well as whether the employee will be paid for the breaks or not. Not all breaks need to be long sometimes just a few minutes can be all that is needed.
Workers need breaks that enable them to be alert on their jobs. Not taking breaks can lead to fatigue which can cause mistakes and even physical harm. When fatigued concentration levels go down which can result in errors. Muscle fatigue can result in loss of strength which in turn can cause accidents when a worker takes on a job that he is normally capable of.
A worker needs to stop and drink regularly, or they will get dehydrated. This is particularly relevant in summer. Dehydration can cause severe health problems and can cause symptoms which can negatively impact on the worker's performance and safety. Some of these symptoms might be a raised heart beat, drowsiness, irritability and confusion. As a result, the worker's judgement can be faulty.
People should drink regularly, and not only when they feel thirsty. When you are feeling thirsty you are already dehydrated. Most jobs will have natural pauses in which to form the habit of having a quick drink and perhaps a snack. These pauses can be found when the employee stops to refuel, reload or open gates. You will stay hydrated if you drink small amounts of water regularly. Water is the best drink to keep you hydrated. Although a beer may feel thirst quenching the alcohol it contains will actually dehydrate you further as it acts as a diuretic.
Make sure to have some longer breaks for meals during the day. When it is hot workers may not feel very hungry but lack of food exacerbates the effect of fatigue. If you can, provide a cool, shady, pleasant place for breaks. If possible allow workers to take breaks together so that they can socialise and build rapport which will improve both morale and productivity.
It is a good idea to schedule work of higher intensity to be done earlier in the day when it is cooler. First thing in the morning is often best when workers are fresh. If possible try and arrange for work to occur in the shade.
It is during the summer months that fatigue and dehydration are most common. This is often the time that young seasonal workers are hired. They will often not be experienced and also, although often young and strong, they will not be accustomed to working the hours and intensity that is required. They may not feel able to ask for a break when they feel they need one. It is important to make sure that young workers are aware of their rights and how to keep themselves and fellow workers safe and healthy. Put a buddy system in place for all your workers, but particularly for younger ones, to look out for the symptoms of fatigue and dehydration in one another.
It's important that your workplace has clear, practical safety guidelines that your workers understand and follow. Provide information and training to all new workers with regular revision. A safe workplace needs good supervision. Assess all hazards and take them all, even the minor ones, seriously.
It is the employer's duty to provide and maintain a safe environment for employees. {Providing adequate breaks to ensure that the workers remain hydrated and sufficiently rested will go a long way towards creating a safe and healthy workplace.|One very important aspect of maintaining a safe and healthy workplace is to make sure that workers are always
