How Can We Improve Shift Rotations for Security Guards While Staying Within Labor Laws?

Duty Roster Challenges and Shift Management

We have our own security guards posted at different locations. I am facing a few problems regarding the duty roster and request the members here to kindly guide me on this.

We run three shifts of 8 hours each: Shift A from 5 am to 1 pm, Shift B from 1 pm to 9 pm, and Shift C from 9 pm to 5 am. In Shift C, we keep more manpower to prevent theft, etc.

For example, in Shift A, we have 2 guards; in Shift B, we also have 2 guards; but in Shift C, we have 5 guards.

The process followed is that from Shift A, a person moves to Shift C, thus getting a break of 32 hours every time their shift changes from A to C. From C, a person is then shifted to B, getting a 16-hour break. From B, a person is shifted to A, where they only get an 8-hour break.

In the rotation above, in the ratio of 2:2:5 in A, B, and C shifts respectively, and with the movement of guards from C to B, B to A, and A to C, varying rest periods are observed. Shifts are regularly changed mainly for three reasons: a) Continuous allotment of night duty is not good for the guards' health. b) Guards struggle to sleep during regular night duties. c) Frequent shift changes keep guards alert, preventing internal group formations and potential plots.

In this arrangement, guards do get a weekly off after working for 6 days, with a 32-hour break following a shift change from A to C. However, the 8-hour break in the change of shifts, especially from B to A, is noted to be too heavy for the person.

Seeking Suggestions and Legal Guidance

A) Can you suggest a better way of handling this? B) What do labor laws say about the time period for a weekly off? Is it sufficient to provide an employee with a 24-hour weekly off after working 8 hours, or should it be longer? I recall The Factories Act stating 48 hours of work in a week.

Kindly guide me on this.

Thanks & Regards...

Dear User,

Your situation does seem to be a bit complex, but it's good that you're taking steps to address it. Let's break down the issues you're facing and possible solutions.

Firstly, your concern about the rotation shift system and the variation in rest period is valid. Here's a possible alternative:

1. Keep the 8-hour shifts but rotate the guards through all three shifts, starting with A then B then C, before they get a day off. This way, each guard experiences all shifts, and the rest period between shifts will be consistent at 8 hours.

2. To address the issue of frequent changes in shifts, you could have guards rotate shifts every week instead of every day. This means they would work one shift for a week, then move to the next shift the following week, and so on. This would allow their bodies to adjust to the different schedules and potentially reduce fatigue.

3. In order to maintain the 2:2:5 ratio for the three shifts, consider having a "floating" guard who can be used in the shifts where extra manpower is needed. This guard would not be on a set rotation but would be scheduled as needed.

Regarding Labour Laws, the Factories Act 1948 stipulates a maximum work week of 48 hours, or 9 hours per day. A worker is entitled to a rest period of at least half an hour after working for 5 hours.

For weekly off, the act mandates one day off for every 20 hours of work in a week. This means an 8-hour shift worker should have at least one day off after working for 6 days, as you are currently doing. However, the rest period between shifts isn't specified in the Act.

Please note that these solutions are just suggestions, and you should tailor them to the specific needs of your security team, keeping in mind their health and well-being. It's also a good idea to have a discussion with the guards themselves to get their input on what changes they would like to see.

I hope this information was helpful and gives you a good starting point for making adjustments to your shift roster. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions.