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Baker30611  
#1 Posted : 17 October 2011 15:27:23(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Baker30611

I have had a query from a client, and have prepared an answer of sorts, just wanted to check with you all if I have missed anything glaringly obvious! Client has installation teams working away from home, and to reduce costs has paired people up to share rooms. One person has major snoring problems (has been going to doctor, but no change so far) and his paired colleague has said that he can't sleep in the same room as him anymore. The question from the client is:- are they breaching their duty of care, and what reasonable adjustments can be made other than setting the precedent of going back to single rooms. I have drafted a response along the lines of; a duty of care exists from employer to employee while at work, and staying away from home in the course of employment would count as work. If the sleepless nights result in health issues for the employee, stress for example, then the duty of care has been breached. If the doctors come up with a cure for the snoring person, then problem solved, consider the second person wearing earplugs to lesson the disruption (potential issues here with fire alarms at night etc) otherwise it seems the only other option would be to revert to separate rooms. I am aware of 'so far as is reasonably practicable' but have I missed something that you guys have thought of? Any advice or suggestions would be gratefully received! Mike
RayRapp  
#2 Posted : 17 October 2011 15:43:52(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
RayRapp

Mike, I think you have pretty well covered the issue. An employer does have a DoC for his employees and sleep deprivation could result in an employee not being fit and able for work, particularly if that work should include high risk work. It is up to the employer to find a practical solution, separate sleeping accommodation away from Mr Trooper (snores like...) seems a reasonable course of action.
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