Prepare for night and shift work

• Start and finish times, including handover
• Fixed, rotating, ad hoc or weekend pattern
• Expected breaks and where they can be taken
• Site address, entrance, parking and arrival process
• Role duties, physical demands and required PPE
• Who to contact if travel is disrupted or you become unwell

GOV.UK describes a general night worker as someone who regularly works at least three hours during the night period. General night workers must not work more than an average of eight hours in each 24-hour period, with additional protection for special hazards or strain.

Mobile workers in goods transport have separate working-time provisions, including a 48-hour weekly average, a possible 60-hour single-week maximum subject to that average, and specific night-work and break rules. The actual role and journey determine the regime.

• Test the route at the actual travel time and plan a fallback.
• Create a quiet, dark sleep window and discuss it with people at home.
• Prepare food, water and suitable layers for the site conditions.
• Check medication or health concerns with an appropriate clinician rather than relying on website advice.
• Do not drive if you are too tired to do so safely; use the escalation route in the assignment information.

1. Reconfirm date, time, location and named contact.
2. Bring only the documents and equipment requested through the approved process.
3. Allow time for security, induction and parking.
4. Read the site risk and emergency information provided.
5. Raise any mismatch between the brief and the work before continuing.