Night Worker
Medicals
Under the Working Time Regulations, night workers must be offered a free night worker health assessment at regular intervals.
A night worker medical assessment is typically recommended required for individuals who are regularly engaged in night shift work or other forms of shift work that involve working during the night time hours or irregular schedules. This assessment is designed to evaluate the potential health risks and impacts associated with working outside the body's natural circadian rhythm.
Why night worker medicals are important
Night worker medicals are a crucial part of the safe and responsible employment of night shift team members. Long-term night shift work has been linked to several health problems, including heart disease, ulcers, metabolic problems, obesity and certain cancers. A lack of sleep can alter the metabolism and the appetite, and encourage irregular eating habits, which can raise the risk of metabolic issues. Working night shifts disrupts the body’s circadian rhythms, and this can disrupt normal behaviour cycles and lead to increased incidence of depression and stress.
What's included in a night worker medical
A night worker health assessment includes examinations of:
General health questionnaire (Weight, height, BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol monitoring)
Musculoskeletal (Assessment of joint and muscle health)
Previous medical history questionnaire (Current medications and existing conditions)
What we look for in Night Worker Medicals
Other medical conditions requiring regular medication on a strict timetable
During a night worker medical, we will consider any health conditions you have and medications you regularly take, reviewing whether night work will may interfere with how your medication works or whether it causes drowsiness.
Chronic chest disorders
Chest disorders such as asthma or COPD can worsen when working nights. In a night worker medical, we will check whether irregular working hours worsen your symptoms.
Medical conditions affecting sleep
For those who suffer from sleep disorders such as insomnia or sleep apnoea, the night worker medical assessment will check whether working at night could negatively impact your sleep schedule.
Stomach or intestinal disorders
Working at night can understandably disrupt how your body works, so gastrointestinal issues such as acid reflux and IBS can worsen. The night worker medical will take this into account.
Diabetes
Employees who have diabetes could also face difficulties when working late at night, as an irregular body clock could affect blood sugar control. We will assess how you manage any blood sugar issues and offer recommendations.
Heart and circulatory disorders
Heart and circulatory disorders require extra care when working nights, so it's important to have a night worker medical to see whether night work increases risk.
Explore our related workplace medical services
As well as providing night worker medicals for your employees, we also have a variety of related services that will benefit your business and help you to stay within legal requirements. Find out more about all the services below.
Expert Night Worker Medicals You Can Rely On
At Insight Workplace Health believe every employee should have access to high-quality, clinically backed occupational health services. We believe in prevention rather than cure, meaning we promote early intervention, a belief that is reflected in our 85% return to work rate after 4 weeks for musculoskeletal issues.
We hold all the necessary accreditations, including SEQOHS, Fit2Fit RPE fit testing, showing our commitment to legal compliance and high standards. All of our night worker medicals are simple and accessible, with a fleet of mobile screening vehicles ready to tackle night worker health assessments, no matter the size or location.
Client Testimonials
From fast turnaround times to bespoke support, businesses across a variety of industries consistently benefit from our comprehensive occupational health services. Have a look at our client testimonials to find out more.
If you want more information on our night worker medicals, call our team or contact us today.
Night Worker Medical FAQs
Do night workers have to have a medical?
Yes, night workers have to have a medical under the Working Time Regulations. This is because working at night over an extended period can negatively affect your physical and mental health. Employees must offer regular assessments for those who already work nights, and a health assessment for those who are to begin working nights, to ensure they are fit and well enough to do so. Book a night worker medical with us to ensure your company is operating in line with health regulations.
What is a night worker health assessment?
A night worker health assessment is a mandatory medical test that identifies any health issues a night worker might have or develop as a result of working nights. It also takes into account any health concerns that the employee currently has, and determines whether working irregular hours might worsen these issues.
Do you offer on-site health assessments?
Yes, we have a team of occupational health experts who can come to your workplace and perform the night worker health assessments. Our fleet of mobile health screening vans can travel across the UK to deliver occupational health assessments wherever you are and no matter the size of your workforce.