RedM Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 What is the law regarding having lunch breaks and screen breaks? I've worked 8 work days without a break of any sort, save for sneaking on here a few minutes at a time. I work 8-5 in an office, using a computer all day. Any ideas? Stuff on the net is so full of exceptions etc that I can't work it out. All I know is that I have it in my contract that I get an hour for lunch. Anyhow, back to it:cry: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustGav Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 Is it not something like 10 minute tea break, 1 hour lunch, then 10 minute tea break....?? But if your company is really that tight then check your contract REALLY REALLY carefully.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedM Posted April 13, 2005 Author Share Posted April 13, 2005 We get one hour for lunch, no tea or screen breaks. The backs of my legs ache all the time these days from spening so much time sitting. Maybe I can sue for getting DVT! I've mentioned it but get treated like I'm moaning about nothing that matters. 34 and treated like I'm some young kid. Pay sucks too so maybe its time to move on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vaughany Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 I belive if you work 6 hours you are entitled to an unpaid break of 20 minutes. More than 6 hours you are usually entitled to 45minutes to 1 hour lunch break. However all of this should be stated in your contract/terms and conditions of employment. With regards to the use of DSE (Display Screen Equipment) your employer should carry out a risk assessments on the use of these. They should provide other duties throughout the day so you can have a break from using a computer. This will alleviate eye strain, back pain and repetitive strain injuries and lower limb disorders. Please read the following, this has been passed as law and employers are meant to adhere to these regulations. I believe if you have an eye test and the findings say you require glasses, the employer should contribute to the purchase of these aswell. If you can prove your health has suffered as a result of the employers unsafe work practices, you can claim against them. For many years the employers have been exploiting their employees to improve their profit. YOU HAVE RIGHTS - USE THEM The Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992. The main provisions apply to display screen equipment (DSE) 'users', defined as workers who 'habitually' use a computer as a significant part of their normal work. This includes people who are regular users of DSE equipment, or rely on it as part of their job. This covers you if you use DSE for an hour or more continuously, and/or you are making daily use of DSE. Employers are required to: Make a risk assessment of workstation use by DSE users, and reduce the risks identified. Ensure DSE users take 'adequate breaks'. Provide regular eyesight tests. Provide health and safety information. Provide adjustable furniture (desk, chair, etc). Demonstrate that they have adequate procedures designed to reduce risks associated with DSE work, such as 'repetitive strain injury'. Hope this helps, remember your health is at risk so dont let them bullshit you with "We dont need to do that" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbourner Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 I get 36 minutes for lunch!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lazarus Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 The legal requirements are 10 min break in every 4 hour work period (minimum) with a minimum 30 min lunch break, most companies give more than those minimums. If you work with display screen equipment the guidance in the ACOP(Approved Code Of Practice - ie legal document) suggests 5-10 mins in every hour if the work is intensive. HTH Edit :- Go to http://www.hse.gov.uk Look up Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 as amended by the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eldudereno Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 I get 36 minutes for lunch!! We only get 30 mins and no official tea breaks!!! It really is tiring staring at a screen most of the day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supragal Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 I get 45 mins for lunch which is unpaid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedM Posted April 13, 2005 Author Share Posted April 13, 2005 I should add that I don't get paid for my lunch break, but if I work through it I get time plus one half! To be honest, i'd rather have a break. It's far too many working lunches to afford a Supra! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supragal Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 Yeah me too. Are you permy or contractor? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedM Posted April 13, 2005 Author Share Posted April 13, 2005 Permanent. What was I thinking when I signed that contract? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supragal Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 "wooo I've got a job" ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedM Posted April 13, 2005 Author Share Posted April 13, 2005 Ha yeah, that was about the size of it. I'd been up here for about 6 weeks without work and then I landed this. Yay me! I've just worked it out that if I do 8 months of no lunches then I can make up the shortfall in my Supra budget. GULP! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terribleturner Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 I do a 12 hour day surrounded by 10 PC Screens and 26 monitors. I don't leave the room unless it's for a toilet break and lunch is brought to us. Think i need to go find my contract out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heckler Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 30 mins in morning, hour for lunch, 30 mins afternoon, sit around do very little all day, and get paid 24/7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedM Posted April 13, 2005 Author Share Posted April 13, 2005 I do a 12 hour day surrounded by 10 PC Screens and 26 monitors. I don't leave the room unless it's for a toilet break and lunch is brought to us. Think i need to go find my contract out. I gotta ask, what is your job? You don't work in PC World do ya? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terribleturner Posted April 13, 2005 Share Posted April 13, 2005 I work in broadcasting, so gotta maintain a channel is on air 24/7. Was only discusing earlier that i think i may need glasses now after working here so long. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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