Hey all, just wondering, if you have a really long day at work and you only get back from an interstate meeting at 1 am, can you employer force you to start work at 8 am ?

Thanks everybody

Fancy calling OH&S people nerds and then asking them for some advice

No offence taken - I think.

Depends where you are - can you elaborate are you in UK or Aus and if in Aus what State?


edited to add - I can see from your profile you are in Melbourne....


There are no specific requirements for rest between shifts in legislation unless you work in transport, however fatigue management is covered by the legislation as outlined in the following:

http://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/wps/w...To+Comply/Fix/ information on Fatigue

Guidance from WorkSafe
http://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/wps/w...+the+workplace

Not sure whether this helps you much.However I would raise the issue with your manager particularly if you have to drive or are working in a safety critical function and request that in future you are allowed a sufficient break between shifts to ensure that fatigue does not affect your safety and performance. If you have no joy you could take the issue up with WorkSafe details as per the link.




Regards,

Lau x

I don't think they can FORCE you to do anything, but it depends what the terms of your employment are. I know if it was my hubby in the same position, he'd be there for his 8am, but that's just him.

Rudi
x

As far as I am aware there 'should' be a 12 hour rest period in between shifts so I would say on grounds of health and safety you could refuse but I would advise you to contact your H&S department to get their back up.

That is a totally unacceptable request and is a health and safety risk, especially if you drive into work suffering from fatigue.

Yeah sorry didnt mean to offend :-)

Im in AUS

What job do you do? I'll look up the award.

Or you can do it here: www.workplace.gov.au

I suppose it would depend on the type of work. If he was working with machinary maybe not. For an office I can't see why not. I know I would probably go into work for then if it were me.

Usually I wouldnt have a problem with it at all but not if they treat me like a dog...

I was working on a contract till 11pm at night once, I had started at 7am that morning, I was so tired.

The next day I was in at 7am as we had a deadline but after that contract went out, I went home.

However, I wasnt driving and this doesnt happen very often.

Most companys have to give a 10hr break between shifts, often though they will forget so you may just need to call them and remind them you wont be in for a few hrs due to the late finish. However im not sure this is law in Victoria you should call the companys HR dept to check

Catch up on your sleep when you get in at 8am?

My employer states that we MUST have a minimum of 8 hours in between shifts, This is the law in UK.

I suppose another thing to think about is if you were being paid until 1am, or is you actually finished earlier.
To you obviously it still ends up the same with you knackered, but the law may see it as different.

salary

The laws here really do not seem as clear as in the UK. I was trying to look up about the most time you could go without a break and it seems there are different rules for different jobs and it all gets very confusing.

There is a website, with min wages etc on, but I can't think what it was called offhand. Presumably you could phone them up (I think it was something to do with work place agreements or something), and ask for advice??