 Too many hours in the day? Forced excess hours bad for staff and business
July 10th 2006 As a result of the Working Time Directive opt-out clause, too many UK workers are being forced to work long hours without appropriate rest, according to IOSH. The Institution accuses unscrupulous employers of putting employees’ health at risk by putting pressure on them to work beyond the average 48 hour week – thereby exposing themselves to excess risk.
“Although we appreciate the concerns the UK government has over losing the opt-out, employees should be free to choose whether they work long hours or not,” says IOSH president, Lisa Fowlie. “The fact that this is an option seems to have been forgotten by some employers. IOSH would like to see a stop to those employers who bully or manipulate their staff into working long hours.
“The evidence is there that working long hours is bad for health and safety. HSE research has shown that working long hours can lead to stress and psychological problems. It’s also not good for productivity – tired staff can’t be expected to perform as well as fresh employees.”
IOSH continues to lobby for a time limited opt-out to be introduced, allowing people the freedom to choose to work long hours - but to change their minds whenever they want or need to.
“Under this model, employees that decide to opt-out would be required to regularly renew their decision,” says Fowlie. “Employers must also take their responsibilities seriously: they must keep an eye on workers and at the first signs of stress or work related illness or injury, take measures to reduce their workload and refer them to expert help. We believe this is the only way to balance the needs of businesses with the safety of employees.” More articles from IOSH: | 
