subject: Breaks At Work Are A Health And Safety Issue [print this page] 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. This can cover the length and frequency of breaks and whether they are paid or unpaid. There are times when the break only needs to be a few minutes long.
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. Concentration levels go down when a person is fatigued, and this can cause mistakes. Accidents can happen when the muscles get tired, causing a loss of strength, even when doing a job the worker is normally able to do.
If a worker does not stop to have regular drinks dehydration will result. This is particularly relevant in summer. Many health problems can be caused by dehydration, and some of the symptoms will affect the worker's ability to perform his work safely. These symptoms include elevated heart beat, sleepiness, irritability and disorientation. Judgement can be impaired as a result.
People should drink regularly, and not only when they feel thirsty. By the time you feel 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. This can often be incorporated into stops to refuel, reload or open gates. Drinking regular, small quantities of water will keep you hydrated. Water is the best drink to keep you hydrated. It might feel like beer quenches your thirst, but the alcohol in the beer is actually a diuretic, and dehydrates you even more.
Allow for some longer meal breaks during the day. When it is hot workers may not feel very hungry but lack of food exacerbates the effect of fatigue. Try and arrange a pleasant, cool, shady area 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.
More intense work should be done when it's cooler, early in the day. 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 are often young and strong, but they may not be experienced in a working environment, and not used to working as hard or as long. They might also feel that they can't ask for a break when they need it. 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.
Make sure that your workplace has clear, practical safety guidelines that each worker understands and complies with. 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 employers duty to provide and maintain a safe environment for employees. One very important aspect of maintaining a safe and healthy workplace is to make sure that workers are always hydrated and have enough rest.
