quick q regarding work

wolvesfan18

sorry wrong section (dont think there is one) no doubt but most suitable

just got back from work, having done a 5-9 shift. im 18 if that helps.

now i remember a while back reading it was illegal to make somone work in front of a screen (which includes tills) for more than something like 3 hours without a break, i was in front of one all night.

now, is there anything online which i can read to possibly print off and show them

thanks

stugib

I'm not aware of anything that specific but your employer is obliged to reduce the risks of developing problems associated with VDU use (RSI, eye strain etc), which would include taking appropriate breaks, but that includes you taking responsibility for your own health too - AFAIK a 'break' doesn't have to mean time away from your workstation, you should focus your eyes away from the screen regularly, stretch, walk around etc.

e.g. http://www.tssa.org.uk/article-47.php3?id_article=998

wolvesfan18

appreciate that ty

uktim29

stugib wrote: »

a 'break' doesn't have to mean time away from your workstation, you should focus your eyes away from the screen regularly, stretch,

Having once upon a time used tills there no problem there then. You probably only spend 10% of the time in any one transaction looking at the screen.

omen666

Guildlines suggest you should "rest your eyes" for 15mins every hour, but as mentioned above this is not a break, you should find something else to be doing in this time

Kavanne

Haha I sit in front of a computer for 4 hours at a time, as does everyone else at my work!!

LinasPilibaitisisbatman

Kavanne wrote: »

Haha I sit in front of a computer for 4 hours at a time, as does everyone else at my work!!

Yes but your not entitled to a formal break as such, your just meant to rest your eyes

Your employers will just claim staff are free to go to the toilet, machines etc and also are doing stuff other than typing in which they can rest eyes i.e taking calls, filling out paperwork, thinking, discussing with staff

hollydays

Doesn't length of breaks depend on the length of your shift.

peachyprice

Employees aged between 15-18 are entitled to 1/2 hour break if thier shift is longer than 4.5 hours, as you only worked 4 hours, and are 18 you were not entitled to a break.

Once you are 18 you are entitled to the same breaks as all the othert adults.

HTH