Thank you for your enquiry regarding working with fork lift trucks.

The Health and Safety Executive does not set down in legislation a specific amount of time that a person is able to operate a fork lift truck. However, the following information regarding rest breaks will still apply.

The guidance to the Working Time Regulations 1998 states the following with regards to rest breaks at work:

If a worker is required to work for more than six hours at a stretch, he or she is entitled to a rest break of 20 minutes.

The break should be taken during the six-hour period and not at the beginning or end of it. The exact time the breaks are taken is up to the employer to decide.

Employers must make sure that workers can take their rest.

Reference: A Guide to Working Time Regulations, URN 03/1068

Copies can be downloaded from the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform website:

http://www.berr.gov.uk/employment/employment-legislation/employment-guidance/page28978.html

However, there are a number of special circumstances and exemptions which may effect this entitlement. The entitlement is also different for young workers.

The Regulations themselves can be viewed / downloaded at: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1998/19981833.htm



In addition to the Working Time Regulations, an employer would also have a duty of care towards employees under the Health and Safety at Work Etc Act 1974. The general duty imposed on all employers is to ensure, so far as is reasonable practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all their employees.

If you require advice on breaks, or wish to make a complaint, please contact ACAS on Tel: 0845 7474747(national number).

I hope this helps, but if you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact this address again or telephone HSE Infoline on 08453 450055.

Yours sincerely

Sian Louise Jones

HSE Infoline

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