Consultation should begin by identifying:
• why changes to the present system are wanted
• the benefits and problems of current shifts.
This can be done through a survey (see the sample
survey at the end of these Guidelines), and through
interviews and group meetings which might use the
issues identified in the survey as a basis for discussion.
Employees may have had little or no experience with
alternative shift systems. It is important to outline ways
of organising working hours, pointing out their benefits
and disadvantages, before employees are asked to
make decisions.
Different parts of an organisation may require different
rosters. These should be tailored for particular
operational needs and the needs of employees, rather
than forcing standardisation.
For information on sample roster patterns, see
Meredith Wallace, Guidelines for Managing Shift Work.
Information about the health and safety effects of shift
work should be provided and carefully explained.
As much time as possible should be allowed for
employees and their families to understand how new
rosters will work and to discuss how proposed changes
will affect them.
Issues of concern and stress for employees may
include wages, changes in overtime levels, night work,
days off, sick days, annual and other recreation leave.
It is important that these issues be addressed and
monitored from the beginning of the process and that
changes in rosters do not become an opportunity to
diminish conditions of employment.
Expert advice
The OHS effects of shift work may not be immediately
evident. Employees need the support and advice of
their union in this matter, and an OHS professional with
shift work expertise and experience may need to be
involved in the process. Without such advice and
information, inappropriate decisions could be made.
When a consultant is to be employed, it should only
happen with the agreement of all parties. Employees
should contact their union or Trades and Labour
Council for advice about the choice of consultant.
G:TrainingAwards Acts & PoliciesShift Work Guidelines.DOC Page 7
Information provision
All employees who undertake shift work should be
provided with professional advice and training in:
• the health, safety and social effects of shift work
• personal coping strategies
• standard operating procedures that apply to specific
shifts
• support services that are available to employees
performing shift work
• guidelines for the design of shift work rosters
• security arrangements and procedures for shifts
where there are reduced employee numbers.
Provision of training and advice should include managers
and supervisors, who should be fully educated about shift
work-related OHS problems.