Mandatory Health Checks for Night Workers
Working night shifts or rotating shifts can be both physically and mentally demanding, primarily because your natural circadian rhythm is disrupted. This type of work is linked to increased health risks, making it important to pay close attention to employee wellbeing.
In Denmark, employers are legally required to offer a free health assessment to night workers before they begin night shifts. Furthermore, all employees working night or rotating shifts must be offered a health assessment at least every three years in accordance with the Working Hours Act (Arbejdstidsloven).
The purpose of these health assessments is not merely to provide a general health check-up, but rather to prevent work-related disorders and improve overall working conditions.
Recommendations for night shifts
- No more than 3 consecutive night shifts
- At least 11 hours between shifts
- A maximum duration of 9 hours per shift
- Maximum 1 night shift per week for pregnant employees
These recommendations are developed by the National Research Centre for the Working Environment (NFA) and are based on research highlighting that the risk of accidents, certain types of cancer, and pregnancy complications can be reduced by organising night shifts according to these guidelines.
What is night work?
The Working Hours Act (Arbejdstidsloven) defines night time as a period of at least 7 hours that includes the time between midnight and 5am. Unless otherwise agreed, the night period is from 10pm to 5am.
A night worker is defined as an employee who usually performs at least 3 hours of their daily working time during the night period, or an employee who carries out at least 300 hours of night work over a 12-month period.
DI/CO’s requirements for health checks for night workers
In 2023, recommendations from NFA regarding night work organisation were incorporated into the industrial sector collective agreements by DI/CO. Since then, these have also been included in most other private sector collective agreements.
For DI/CO members who do not adhere to these recommendations, stricter rules now apply for statutory health assessments. Employees who fall outside the recommended arrangements must be offered an annual health assessment, and every second year this assessment is mandatory.
If the NFA recommendations are followed, employees working night and rotating shifts must still be offered a health assessment at least every other year.
Receive a health assessment designed for your organisation
At Human House, we customise the health assessment to fit your company and your specific needs. All health assessments are conducted by an experienced health consultant with up-to-date knowledge of the link between night work and health issues. The consultant works under the supervision of our occupational health specialist, and certification can be provided if necessary.
If more than 20 employees participate in the health assessment, a consolidated company report can be made. This report summarises employee results and offers recommendations for targeted initiatives to improve overall health and wellbeing.
(for employees aged 50+ in companies covered by DI/CO agreements)
(health status evaluation using colour codes)
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