Working With Muslims
OPERATIONAL TOOL

Ramadan Shift Planner

Identify the "Danger Zones" and mandatory break windows in your rota.

Ramadan Rota Builder

Visualize energy levels and mandatory breaks. Model: Summer Fast (18hrs)

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IFTAR
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Your Shift (09:00 - 17:00)
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Safe Scheduling

This shift does not conflict with Iftar (Sunset). Standard breaks apply.

Managing Fatigue Risk During Ramadan

Scheduling Muslim staff during Ramadan is not just about religious accommodation; it is a critical Health & Safety issue.

A fasting body behaves differently. Without water or food for 16+ hours, decision-making latency increases, and physical stamina fluctuates. The "Standard 9-5" or "Standard Night Shift" often clashes with the body's new biological rhythm.

The Three Critical Zones

Use the visualizer above to identify these zones in your specific shift patterns.

1. The "Danger Zone" (17:00 - 20:00)

Physiology: Glycogen stores are depleted. Dehydration peaks.
Risk: High. Cognitive function is at its lowest.
Action: Avoid scheduling "Safety Critical" tasks here. Do not schedule heavy manual lifting or complex negotiation meetings. This is the time for admin, low-risk tasks, or ending the shift early.

2. The "Iftar" Window (Sunset)

Physiology: The body needs immediate rehydration.
Risk: Psychological stress if delayed.
Action: This break is mandatory. You cannot ask an employee to "wait 10 minutes" past sunset. Plan cover (e.g. non-Muslim colleagues) for this exact 15-minute window.

3. The "Power Hour" (Post-Iftar)

Physiology: Blood sugar spikes and stabilizes. Energy returns rapidly.
Risk: Low.
Action: This is the best time for high-focus work. If you have a night shift, schedule the complex tasks after the meal.

Detailed Rostering Guides

Shift Work & Night Shifts ->
Managing rotation and breaks.
The Ramadan Manual ->
Full legal & physiological guide.

Legal Duty of Care

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, you have a duty to assess risks to your employees. If you know an employee is fasting and you schedule them for a high-risk task during the "Danger Zone" without mitigation, you could be liable if an accident occurs.

Why use this tool?

During Ramadan, staff cannot eat or drink from dawn until sunset. This creates predictable physiological energy curves.

  • The Crash: 2 hours before sunset, blood sugar is lowest. Risk of error is highest.
  • Iftar (Sunset): This break is non-negotiable. Staff must break their fast immediately.
  • The Power Hour: 1 hour after eating, energy returns. This is often the best time for complex tasks.