Working arrangements
19 Working arrangements
Some contractors work very long hours, do not have adequate rest and recovery between shifts, and do not have adequate family and recreation time. While many contractors seek or accept long hours for financial or other reasons, there is significant evidence to show that working patterns with excessive hours are unsafe, have long-term health implications for contractors and have a negative effect on family life.
Best Practice
When parties are negotiating a contract, they should give proper consideration to achieving safe work practices and a reasonable work and life balance. Particular attention should be given to—
ensuring their contracts comply with all applicable laws and regulations on driving hours and fatigue management; and
the maximum number of hours a day in which services are to be provided; and
the number of days each week, month or year in which services are to be provided; and
structuring the hours in which services are to be provided to allow time for physical recovery, rest and recreation, community participation and family time; and
what flexible arrangements can be put in place that may assist contractors to have a better work and life balance. Such arrangements might include allowing for consultation over preferred rosters, arrangements to make it easier to find and use replacement drivers or flexible start and finishing times and locations.
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