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Is it legal for an employer to force me to work 12 hour days 7 days a week?

Is it legal for an employer to force me to work 12 hour days 7 days a week?

Full question:

Is it legal for an employer to force me to work 12 hour days 7 days a week? I am concerned about the safety issues with working this many hours as well as my physical well being.

Category: Employment
Subcategory: Hours
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Michigan

Answer:

Please see the information at the following links:

http://definitions.uslegal.com/o/overtime/

http://definitions.uslegal.com/w/wage-and-hour-division/

http://definitions.uslegal.com/r/rest-and-meal-breaks/

http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/whd/whdfs22.htm

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What constitutes unsafe working conditions?

Unsafe working conditions are environments where employees face a significant risk of injury or harm. This can include inadequate safety measures, exposure to hazardous materials, excessive fatigue from long hours, or lack of proper breaks. If working conditions lead to health issues or accidents, they may be deemed unsafe. Employees should report such conditions to their employer or relevant authorities to ensure a safe work environment.

Can you be forced to work more than 12 hours a day?

Yes, an employer can require you to work more than 12 hours a day unless there are specific laws or regulations that limit such hours. However, employees must be compensated for overtime if they are non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). It's important to communicate any concerns about excessive hours or safety with your employer.

What is the longest shift you are legally allowed to work?

There is no federal law that specifies the maximum length of a work shift. Employers can schedule shifts as they see fit, including longer shifts like 12 hours. However, non-exempt employees must receive overtime pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Always check state laws, as they may impose additional restrictions.

What happens if you work 12 hours a day 7 days a week?

Working 12 hours a day, 7 days a week can lead to physical and mental exhaustion, increasing the risk of accidents or health issues. While employers can require such hours, they must pay overtime for non-exempt employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for hours worked over 40 in a week. It's crucial to address any concerns about health and safety with your employer.

Can you be forced to work 12 hour shifts?

Yes, employers can require employees to work 12-hour shifts unless there are specific laws that prohibit it. However, non-exempt employees must be compensated with overtime pay for hours worked beyond 40 in a week under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). If you have concerns about the impact of such shifts on your health, consider discussing them with your employer.

Is there a limit on 12 hour shifts in a row?

There is no federal law limiting the number of consecutive 12-hour shifts an employee can work. Employers can schedule shifts as needed, but they must comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regarding overtime pay for non-exempt employees. It's essential to monitor your health and safety when working extended hours and communicate any concerns to your employer.