Health checks for night workers

Working at night is associated with an increased risk of a number of lifestyle diseases and other complications. It is therefore particularly important that workers who work at night learn to take extra care of themselves.

A night worker is defined as a person who normally works at least three hours of their working time during the night period or who performs night work for at least 300 hours over a year. The night period is defined as a period of at least seven hours, which includes the time between midnight and 05:00, but is often from 22:00 to 05:00. It will typically be specified in the collective agreement.

According to Danish law, it is mandatory to offer health checks to night workers to prevent and address the health risks that can arise from night work. These checks are intended to identify and address issues such as sleep disorders and increased risk of chronic diseases.

The process often includes a series of assessments, including medical examinations and psychosocial assessments, to ensure a comprehensive approach to employee health and wellbeing.

We make sure you comply with all legal requirements and report the health checks to the Danish Working Environment Authority. We take responsibility for the success of the health checks.

Statutory health checks for night workers are essential to identify and prevent health problems that can arise from working at night. Night work can disrupt the natural sleep cycle and increase the risk of certain diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and stress-related conditions.

Through regular health checks, potential health risks can be detected early and employees can receive advice and support to deal with the challenges that come with working at night. It also contributes to improved wellbeing and overall productivity in the workplace.

Health risks of night work:

• There is a slightly increased risk of cardiovascular disease among night workers.
• Mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and nervousness can occur.
• Psychological reactions include irritability, restlessness and sadness.
• Gastrointestinal problems can include appetite disturbances, constipation and loose stomach.
• Women in regular night shifts have an increased risk of miscarriage or stillbirth.
• Prolonged night work can increase the risk of breast cancer in women.
• Existing conditions such as diabetes can be exacerbated by night work.

As an employer, you have a number of important obligations when it comes to health checks for night workers. You must cover all costs of the health check and ensure that employees do not lose income during the examination. In addition, it's ideal to arrange the check-ups during working hours so that they don't interfere with your employees' free time. 

It is the employer's responsibility to provide the healthcare professional performing the examination with all necessary information about the employee and the working conditions. Before you initiate the health check, you must also inform Arbejdstilsynet of the details of the examination, including scope and methodology.

Through knowledge, advice and motivation, the statutory health check-up helps to give each employee the knowledge and skills to promote their own health.

Working at night can be associated with an increased risk of a number of lifestyle diseases, reduced well-being and other complications. It is therefore particularly important that workers who work at night learn to take extra care of themselves.

A health check provides workers with a detailed picture of their physical health and advice on how to prevent discomfort from night work.

A health check consists of three elements:

1. A questionnaire on night work, lifestyle, health and well-being
2. A series of physical measurements that give an indication of the employee's health and lifestyle
3. Motivational interviewing with personal goal setting

Processes

1. We set the process in motion with invitations and information and precautions
2. Employees either sign up via our booking portal or join manual lists and complete an online questionnaire focusing on night work
3. The employee is given a detailed picture of their health status through a wide range of physical measurements
4. An experienced health professional helps the employee to review the measured values and inspires them to act on the results
5. The employee receives his/her results and action plan in a personal health folder
6. The company receives a detailed anonymized report of average results
7. The employee has access to a hotline to answer follow-up questions

• Measuring blood pressure and heart rate
• Measurement of total cholesterol
• Measurement of LDL cholesterol
• Measurement of HDL cholesterol
• Measuring triglycerides
• Measuring blood glucose
• Measuring weight, height and BMI
• Measuring body fat percentage
• Measuring lung function
• Stress, diet and wellness questionnaire
• Personal report with results and explanations.

All night workers have the right to a health check, which is guaranteed through collective agreements or the Working Hours Act if they are not covered by a collective agreement.

If a night worker does not receive an offer of a health check, they can seek help from their union to take the matter to the trade union system. If the union rejects the case or the person is not a member, a civil lawsuit can be filed. In such cases, the night worker may be entitled to compensation.

When you look after your employees, you retain them for longer and will also find it easier to attract new ones. This creates a great workplace - both for the individual and the whole team.

Complying with health and safety regulations is not only required by law, but can also help maintain employee health and overall wellbeing - resulting in lower sick leave, increased productivity and happier employees.