How Many Hours Can You Work in a Day According to OSHA?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) plays a critical role in ensuring workplace safety in the United States. One of the critical aspects of workplace safety is regulating the number of hours an employee can safely work in a day. Overworking employees can lead to fatigue, which increases the risk of accidents and injuries.

This becomes even more important during the holiday season when employers are scrambling to keep up with the holiday rush. With “all hands on deck” and workers covering extra shifts, it’s easy for long hours to pile up.

Let’s explore how Consumer Attorneys can help if you’re asked to work in unsafe conditions outside of OSHA’s regulations, with a focus on breaks, overtime, and the maximum number of hours permissible.

What is OSHA?

OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is a government agency within the U.S. Department of Labor. OSHA's mission is to ensure safe and healthy working conditions by enforcing standards, providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. Established in 1970 under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, OSHA sets and enforces regulations to minimize workplace hazards. These rules help protect workers from dangerous conditions, including exposure to harmful substances, machinery, and unsafe work practices, ensuring their physical and mental well-being.

What Laws Does OSHA Cover?

The most important regulation it enforces is the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, which created OSHA. Under this act, employers are required to provide a safe working environment for employees, free from recognized hazards. OSHA’s regulations cover aspects such as:

• Hazard Communication: Employers must inform employees about the chemicals they work with and ensure proper labeling and training.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): OSHA mandates the use of proper PPE to protect workers from potential injuries.
• Workplace Inspections: OSHA conducts regular workplace inspections to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Reporting and Recordkeeping: Employers are required to maintain records of work-related injuries and illnesses.

While OSHA regulations help protect employees from dangerous work environments, they do not specifically limit the number of hours employees can work.

How Many Hours Straight Can You Legally Work in a Day?

OSHA focuses more on ensuring that workers have safe working conditions, including appropriate rest periods and limits on certain types of work, such as driving or working with dangerous machinery.

That being said, some industries have restrictions that may limit work hours. For example, commercial truck drivers have limits set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which requires mandatory rest periods. Additionally, employees working in hazardous conditions or with certain equipment may have mandated rest periods between shifts.

How Many Hours Can You Work in a Day in America?

In the United States, the standard workday is typically considered to be 8 hours. However, depending on the industry and job role, employees may work longer hours, especially in overtime situations. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which is enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor, workers are entitled to overtime pay for hours worked beyond 40 in a week.

How Many Hours Are You Allowed to Work in a 24-Hour Period?

There is no federal law under OSHA or the FLSA that directly limits the number of hours an employee can work within a 24-hour period. However, the law does provide guidelines for rest and meal breaks. For example, in many cases, workers who work more than 6 hours in a day are entitled to a meal break, but this depends on state law.

In industries such as transportation or healthcare, there are stricter regulations governing hours worked within a 24-hour period. For example, truck drivers are limited to working a certain number of hours per day and are required to take breaks to ensure they are not overworked and fatigued.

Can You Work 24-Hours Straight?

Although there are no specific OSHA regulations that prohibit working 24 hours straight, such a practice is highly discouraged due to the risks of fatigue. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and other agencies recommend that employees avoid long shifts without rest. For jobs that require concentration or involve machinery, working continuously for 24 hours can be dangerous and increase the risk of workplace accidents.

Employers may implement policies or practices that prevent their workers from working excessively long shifts without proper rest.

Are 16-Hour Shifts Legal?

16-hour shifts are legal under certain conditions, but there are restrictions and considerations for both employers and employees. Many workplaces can schedule long shifts, especially in industries where such shifts are common, like healthcare or manufacturing. However, OSHA and state laws may have specific requirements that govern these extended hours to protect workers' health and safety.

Can You Work 16-Hours a Day?

In general, employees can work 16-hour shifts, but only if their workplace complies with specific regulations. Workers in jobs that involve hazardous conditions or activities may be required to have longer rest periods or may be restricted from working beyond a certain number of hours to ensure their safety.

Some states have laws that regulate the number of hours an employee can work in a day. For example, California has strict rules regarding meal breaks and rest periods for employees working long shifts.

OSHA 16 Hour Work Rule

There is no specific “OSHA 16-hour work rule,” but OSHA’s regulations on overtime, breaks, and safety apply to employees working extended hours. Employers are expected to monitor and enforce safe working practices. If an employee works 16-hour shifts regularly, the employer may need to provide adequate rest periods, ensure proper safety equipment, and make accommodations to minimize fatigue and injury.

Are 16-Hour Shifts Legal in the U.S.?

Yes, 16-hour shifts are generally legal, but they must be within the parameters of OSHA regulations for workplace safety and rest periods. Employers must ensure that employees are physically capable of performing their duties without posing a risk to themselves or others.

Is There an Illegal Amount of Hours to Work in a Day?

Under OSHA and FLSA regulations, there is no specific "illegal" amount of hours one can work in a day, but working excessively long hours without adequate breaks or rest can be considered hazardous. When long shifts result in fatigue that affects job performance, safety, or health, it may be deemed a violation of OSHA standards.

What is a “Normal” Work Day?

Although OSHA recommends a standard workday of no more than 8 hours and a 5-day workweek to prevent worker burnout, the agency does not set specific limits on work hours. Instead, the number of hours is ultimately determined by states and employers, provided OSHA's safety requirements for breaks and rest periods are met.

How Many Hours Can You Legally Work in a Day of Overtime?

The overtime rate is typically 1.5 times the regular hourly wage. While OSHA does not regulate overtime directly, the FLSA ensures that workers are compensated for working longer hours.

Employers must adhere to FLSA guidelines and provide overtime pay when necessary. However, there are exemptions for certain industries, including some executive, administrative, or professional positions. It’s important for employees to understand both their rights under OSHA and the FLSA when working overtime.

Let’s Recap - How Many Hours Can You LEGALLY Work in a Day?

• To recap, while OSHA doesn’t set a strict limit on the number of hours an employee can work in a day, it emphasizes the importance of workplace safety and the need for rest periods.
• The Fair Labor Standards Act ensures that overtime is paid for hours worked beyond 40 hours per week.
• Specific industries, such as transportation and healthcare, have their own rules governing work hours to protect employees' health and safety.

Should There be Minimum Hours Between Shifts?

While OSHA does not mandate a specific minimum amount of time between shifts, it is recommended that employees have adequate rest time between shifts, especially for those working long hours or in high-risk environments. The recommendation for rest time between shifts varies by industry, but a common best practice is ensuring at least 10-12 hours between shifts for workers to recover.

Employers should assess their work schedules and employee health to ensure that sufficient recovery time is provided. In some states, employers are required by law to give workers a minimum rest period between shifts, so employees should be aware of local laws.

What to Do if Employers Violate OSHA Rules

Consumer Attorneys – Employment Attorneys!

If you believe your employer is violating your rights or not adhering to workplace safety regulations, Consumer Attorneys can help. Our experienced work discrimination lawyers are here to assist you in understanding your rights under OSHA and the FLSA. Contact us today for help filing a complaint and protecting your safety and well-being at work.