Osha how many hours

These are a few things you should know about hours and overtime labor laws. Presently, no OSHA standard to regulate extended and unusual shifts in the workplace exists. A work period of eight consecutive hours over five days with at least eight hours of rest in between shifts defines a standard shift.

Any shift that goes beyond this standard is considered to be extended or unusual. Emergency situations, times of business transition, and when resources are scarce often require longer shifts. Such shifts usually come without warning and can take their toll on the health, safety, and productivity of employees. For adult employees, there is no legal limit to the number of hours that one can work per week, but the Fair Labor Standards Act dictates standards for overtime pay in both the private and public sector.

Weekend or night work does not apply for overtime pay unless it is over the mandated 40 hours. Pay for vacations, sick days, or personal days is not covered. There is no federal limit on the amount of hours of overtime that an employee can be forced to work. Although there is no federal limit to the number of hours that can be worked, OSHA states that there are inherit dangers associated with prolonged work shifts. A report by the federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that prolonged overtime can cause "decreased alertness, increased fatigue, lower cognitive function, increased injuries, periods of extreme tension and anxiety, gastrointestinal pain or discomfort, and chest pain.

OSHA guidelines state the symptoms caused by excessive overtime can cause a higher chance of accident, of operator errors and of injuries. In addition, the American Association of Critical Care Nurses states that prolonged overtime can be a major contributor for medical safety issues, including medication errors.

OSHA recommends that during overtime, employers should provide additional breaks and lunches. OSHA also suggests that if overtime is necessary, reduce the number of hours per day worked and increase the number of days. OSHA also encourages employers to look for signs of fatigue and to take quick action when they spot any of the symptoms listed in Section 2. Although OSHA only regulates truck drivers while they are at docking and loading facilities and fuel stations, the federal government has instituted laws regarding overtime safety.

The Public Citizen petition cites multiple research articles that demonstrate that extended hours can lead to increased risk for motor vehicle accidents, mental health problems, pregnancy and percutaneous injuries.

Currently there is no OSHA standard for a limit to the amount of hours an employee can work. Name required. Industry required. Company required. Email required. Call back No. Your Message. Find out more or adjust your settings.