Out of Hours Working

The University understands that the educational / academic environment lends itself to flexible working days, for example:

• Academic staff and post-graduate students working at night or weekends to carry out experiments, observe research, prepare for lectures and gain access to computers etc. 
• Facilitating Open Days and Summer Schools etc.
• Library and Archives opening late at night and at weekends to support staff and students.
• Property and Campus Services providing 24/7 Security in addition to staff maintaining the estate e.g. on-call maintenance staff and domestic staff undertaking cleaning.
• Commercial Services providing Residential Mentors in Halls, managing Canolfan Brailsford outside normal University hours and providing catering at functions.

Working during time periods outside of the accepted normal working day usually doesn't pose an increase in health and safety risk. However, sometimes, potential risks may be increased due to the limitations of University, College and Departmental systems to cope with an emergency, due to a lack of control or supervision of work – increasing the chance of something going wrong or personal security issues if working in isolated areas at night. It is these, as with all health and safety risks that need to be considered before allowing a member of staff and / or student to work out of hours.

Time Period stated in the Policy:

The Policy Standard and Information Sheet have been developed to provide practical guidance to Colleges / Departments on managing the potential risks associated with out of hours working. Please contact Health and Safety Services if you have any questions or concerns regarding this topic.