This is set to be on of the longest Ramadans for many years. Muslims will not eat or drink water during daylight, which this year can last about 19 hours in the UK.
I would be interested in hearing how the welfare of workers undertaking Ramadan could be supported/improved.

Does anyone have helpful suggestions for ensuring the health safety and well being of colleagues who are undertaking Ramadan.

There isn't much out there in the way of guidance. ACAS published something in 2013 (still valid).

Flexibility, tolerance, understanding.

I would begin with asking a few questions to find out if there is anything I/ the company could do to support. Those who are taking part in Ramadan will mostly be those who have undertaken this in the past. They will know what they go through, and what could help them during this period.

Making decisions on others behalf - no matter how good the intention - without bothering to include those directly affected, will always create bad feeling.

Also I found this, item 8 is especially pertinent: http://www.vox.com/2016/...amadan-2016-muslim-about

Really helpful link thanks Watson D

I'm a Muslim and have fasted every year for a very long time.
Most Muslims will be accustomed to fasting and know how their bodies react.
WatsonD that's a very good article and gives you some very useful information. The only bit I'd add is be mindful not to organise lunch and breakfast meetings as most Muslims don't mind but its not nice watching everyone eating when you can't :-(
I'd ask individuals what you can do to assist them, some may request if they could start later as there is an additional prayer after sunset which can take quite some time to complete, so you don't get as much sleep.
Lethargy is the biggest hurdle, you do find that as the day goes on you do become exhausted and performance can suffer a little but most Muslims are used to it and are not affected.
After the first couple of fast you fall into a routine and before you know it the month is over.

If you do have any questions queries around Ramadan please do ask and I'd be happy to help.

Thanks Ateeka for some great suggestions on how non Muslims can support Muslims whilst fasting.
I am of the opinion that communication can only increase understanding and break down 'health and safety myths'.

I appreciate your opinion, but I'm unclear regarding what the health and safety related issues are in this regard? Also, should this extend to meetings where beverages such as coffee, tea, water and biscuits are served? This is fairly routine for many of the meetings that I attend, and in warm summer months, hydration should be encouraged and it is often quite helpful for those moving between meetings and needing to grab a drink, or even a nibble to be accommodated in this way.

My overriding feeling is that nobody is forced to fast, it is a religious choice. If a person's resolve or faith is going to be tested, is it down to others to change or for that person to consider what they can tolerate within the boundaries of their faith? It might be that they seek to be excused if they cannot face seeing other people eating and drinking in the workplace. I think that in many working environments this is going to be unavoidable - people often eat and drink at their desks, so why should they be prevented from doing so as normal during meetings, which is accepted practice? I'm sure there are many other areas which could be a test to the faith or might even be perceived as offensive. I'm just not certain how much can be changed in a society that currently tolerates certain behaviours and practices which could be at odds with the beliefs of others and to therefore accommodate them.

Whatever beliefs you may have - its for the individual concerned to ensure that they are fit and safe to work. What an individual's religious practices are is a personal matter - but shouldn't be brought to the workplace, so as to affect safety,

This is where religion seems to get in the way of common sense, you are expected to allow this to happen when they say that they are feeling poorly due to not eating, and if they work in an environment where they could put themselves and the public at risk, such as Taxi Drivers, Bus Drivers etc

What do you do as an employer do you tell them not to come in for a month? Lay them off or worst case, dismissed for not being able to carry out the job they were hired for.

If you look at Jews in London, They want to Install Poles with Fishing line so that they can have greater freedom on the Sabbath ?? http://www.dailymail.co....creating-new-ghetto.html

I wonder whose fault would it be if say a taxi driver has an accident and kills the passenger who would be at fault the driver for not eating or the company for letting him drive ??

Health & Safety Comes before Religion Full stop

Ron has it spot on at #3.

Where is the empirical evidence to show that fasting at Ramadan has caused major accidents or incidents?

I work for a world renowned organisation that employs many Muslims & at the start of such events we have dialogue with them about their needs, as each person is different. We also accommodate prayer sessions if necessary.

In the nearly 20 years of involvement I am not aware of any incident caused by fasting & to be frank I am more than a little sad to see such intolerance from some of the posters on this thread.

That depends on your perspective.

Forgive me but you are all making a meal of this. Pun intended.

It is a religious thing and we should not single out anyone because of their religion.

Why not let it flow and if problems arise deal with them at the time.

As said above the individuals all know what they are doing so let them get on with it.

I was a train driver for nearly 20 years where as an individual you were required to report fit for work. If, you had reason to suspect an issue i.e. medication, the onus was on the individual to raise the matter with the duty manager prior to booking on. I cannot recall an incident due to religious reasons...have things really changed that much?

Call me intolerant if you wish.