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Night Worker Health Assessments

Employers who engage night workers must take steps to ensure staff are medically fit to work during night hours. These duties are important not only for safe day-to-day operations, but also for protecting employee wellbeing and reducing commercial and reputational risk. At The London General Practice, we provide night worker health assessments to support employers in meeting these obligations and safeguarding staff health.

Who is a night worker?

Under the Working Time Regulations 1998 (WTR 1998), a night worker is someone who normally works at least three hours of their daily working time during night time. This is usually the period between 11pm and 6am, unless a different night period has been agreed between the employer and worker.

What health assessment duties do employers have?

A health assessment is usually completed via a questionnaire prepared by a qualified health professional. Its purpose is to help protect the health and safety of night workers and confirm they are medically suitable for the role.

This is particularly relevant where a worker has a condition such as diabetes, insomnia, intestinal disorders or heart disease, as night work may increase certain health risks. A questionnaire allows the employer to identify potential concerns early and refer the worker for further medical review where appropriate.

When should health assessments be carried out?

Employers should not assign an adult to night work unless they have first ensured the worker has had the opportunity to complete a free health assessment before starting the role. If an assessment was completed earlier, the employer should be satisfied that it remains current and valid.

The duty continues throughout employment. Night workers should be offered free health assessments at regular intervals, and also where there is a change in health status that may affect their ability to work nights. If a worker declines to complete the questionnaire, employers should keep a written record of that decision.

The key point is that offering the assessment helps employers meet their obligations under the WTR 1998.

What happens if a risk is identified?

If a health assessment identifies a concern, government guidance recommends referral to a qualified health professional. In some cases, where a registered medical practitioner advises that a worker has health problems connected to night work, the employer may need to consider transferring the worker to more suitable duties where possible.

Practical steps for employers

  • Prioritise staff health, safety and wellbeing in the workplace.
  • Understand the different rules that apply to young workers and adult night workers.
  • Keep confidential records of health assessments for at least two years.
  • Record the dates on which assessments are offered.
  • Ensure assessments are offered at no cost to the worker.
  • Put in place a clear internal process for managing assessments.
  • Make sure your practices comply with the WTR 1998.

Speak to The London General Practice

If you need advice on night worker health assessments or would like support with occupational health screening, The London General Practice can help. Our team provides discreet, professional medical assessments in the heart of Harley Street, helping employers protect both staff wellbeing and workplace compliance.

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