Rest periods policy template
A policy establishing minimum rest periods between shifts and limits on consecutive working days. Supports compliance with fatigue management requirements and promotes employee wellbeing.
Rest periods policy
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Why you need a rest periods policy
Inadequate rest between shifts is a significant workplace safety issue. Fatigue impairs judgment, reaction times and decision-making — increasing the risk of accidents and errors. Employers have a duty of care to manage fatigue risks.
Many awards specify minimum breaks between shifts (commonly 10-12 hours) and limits on consecutive working days. A documented policy ensures these requirements are consistently applied and helps protect your business from claims arising from fatigue-related incidents.
Without clear rest period guidelines, you risk safety incidents, workers' compensation claims and award breaches.
Key elements of a rest periods policy
What your rest periods policy should include
Minimum rest between shifts
Required break between finishing one shift and starting the next.
Consecutive days limits
Maximum number of consecutive working days before a rest day.
Fatigue management
Identifying and managing fatigue risks from scheduling patterns.
Employee wellbeing
Supporting work-life balance through adequate rest periods.
Award compliance
Meeting rest period requirements under applicable awards.
Break entitlements
Ensuring adequate breaks within and between shifts.
What's included in this template
Comprehensive coverage of rest period requirements
Purpose & scope
Why the policy exists and who it applies to.
Policy statement
The organisation's commitment to adequate rest periods.
Minimum break between shifts
Required hours between finishing and starting shifts.
Consecutive days worked
Limits on working days without a rest day.
Overnight and closing-opening shifts
Special provisions for back-to-back shifts.
Fatigue indicators
Signs of fatigue and how to respond.
Manager responsibilities
Obligations for scheduling adequate rest.
Employee responsibilities
Duty to report fatigue concerns.
Exceptions and approval
When exceptions may apply and who approves.
Record keeping
Documentation of rest periods and exceptions.
Who should use this template?
Essential for businesses with shift workers
Legal disclaimer
This template is designed to reflect Australian workplace standards at the time of publication. It is provided as a general guide only and does not constitute legal advice.
Rest period requirements vary by award. You should check your applicable industrial instruments for specific minimum breaks and tailor this template accordingly. Seek independent legal or HR advice where needed.
Regulatory sources
This template is aligned with Australian workplace rostering requirements.
Automate this policy with RosterElf. Our rostering software includes break planning, and our HR software stores policies digitally for easy employee access.
Ready to manage rest periods safely?
Download our comprehensive rest periods policy template and ensure adequate recovery time for your team.
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Disclaimer
This document is a general HR template provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and may not reflect the latest changes in legislation or apply to every workplace situation. RosterElf Pty Ltd and the template provider accept no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this document. Users should seek independent legal advice and customise the template to ensure it complies with all relevant laws, awards and workplace requirements.