RoSPA offers help on working time rules

FIRMS are being offered a helping hand to meet the demands of working time rules with a new service from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. The Working Time Regulations Review has been developed by RoSPA to help ensure that businesses are protecting their staff and meeting legal requirements.

All employers have a duty under the Working Time Regulations to manage the number of hours their staff work, but RoSPA says complications can arise when there is uncertainty about which department should implement and monitor these responsibilities, as they may fall under the remit of both human resources and health and safety.

Vince Murphy, RoSPA workplace safety service delivery manager, said: ‘Excessive working is counter-productive as well as illegal, and having a system in place to properly manage employees’ hours can help reduce time lost through work-related ill health.’

RoSPA’s review offers a visit from one of the safety charity’s consultants to evaluate the extent of an organization’s compliance with the regulations and offer business-enhancing advice.

The service, which is also available as a desktop review, can include the creation of an appropriate working time policy, the inclusion of working time issues within procedures, and help with planning, setting and monitoring standards.

The consultant’s report will provide firms with a step-by-step approach to an effective and lasting programme for the management of working time issues. In addition, the service will identify key procedures to help lower the risk of work-related ill health, which RoSPA say can stem from excessive working at all levels within organizations.

For more information, contact RoSPA’s consultancy team on tel: (0121) 248 2076;