Why are night shift health checks important?
Night work can affect the health of employees in several ways. Typical health risks include sleep disturbances, increased fatigue, cardiovascular disease and digestive problems. Prolonged night work can therefore have significant consequences for both well-being and work performance.
The purpose of a night shift health check is to assess the employee's suitability for night shifts and identify potential health problems early. This way, both employer and employee can prevent illness and ensure a safe and healthy working environment.
Why is night work a particular health risk?
Prolonged night work disrupts the circadian rhythm and increases the risk of:
Sleep disturbances and chronic fatigue
Cardiovascular diseases (e.g. high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation)
Type 2 diabetes and obesity due to hormonal changes
Psychological burdens such as depression, anxiety, and stress
A night shift certificate allows early warning signs to be detected, so you can get advice, treatment or adjustment of working hours before small problems turn into chronic diseases. It also provides your employer with proof of having offered a statutory health check.
Night work rules and health checks
Employers are responsible for ensuring a healthy and safe working environment, including organizing night work so that sleep and the body's circadian rhythm are disrupted as little as possible.
In Denmark, work is considered night work if an employee meets one of the following criteria:
- Daily work: Min. 3 hours of the daily working hours are during the night period (typically 22:00-05:00).
- Annual work: Min. 300 hours of night work within a 12-month period.
Employees who work night shifts must be offered a free health examination before starting night work and at least every three years thereafter. The examination must be carried out without the employee losing income and as far as possible during working hours.
The employer is obliged to inform the Danish Working Environment Authority about the health check, including the scope, method and who is conducting the examination. If no response is received from the Danish Working Environment Authority within 4 weeks, the medical examination can be initiated.
What does the health check include?
The night shift health check is designed to assess the employee's suitability for night shifts and prevent health problems.
The survey typically includes:
Medical consultation and health assessment
Review of past illnesses, current symptoms and general health.
Assessing sleep patterns and fatigue risk
Analyze how night shifts affect circadian rhythms and energy levels.
Possible advice on prevention, lifestyle and work environment adaptation
Tips on sleep, diet, stress management and workplace safety.
Documentation that the survey has been completed/offered
Necessary for both employee and employer in relation to legal requirements.
Summary and advice
The doctor explains the results and provides specific recommendations for sleep hygiene, diet and light management.
Completed certificate
You get immediate verbal feedback and receive the certificate digitally the same day, as well asstatutory reporting to the Danish Working Environment Authority
On-site health examinations at Doctors Denmark
At Doctors Denmark, we offer the opportunity to conduct health checks directly at your workplace. This makes it easy for employees to participate without travel time and ensures minimal disruption to the workday.
We offer:
- Flexible hours, also outside normal working hours
- Fast booking and efficient scheduling
- Customized solutions for both large and small businesses
- Professional implementation of health checks with experienced doctors.
Long-term benefits of regular check-ups
Continuous night work certificates provide an ongoing overview of your vital signs. Small deviations are detected early, so preventive measures can be implemented while they are still simple.
The objective documentation makes it easier to negotiate adjustments to duty rosters or more days of recuperation if your health requires it.
Regular health check-ups protect your health, job satisfaction, and the company's work environment certification - a strong foundation for a sustainable working life, even after many years of night shifts.
What does the certificate mean for your everyday life as a night worker?
Suitable
You can continue working night shifts without changes, but follow the doctor's preventive advice and book a new check-up in three years.
Suitable with considerations
The doctor may recommend shorter shifts, more breaks, light therapy or a changed role to prevent illness. The employer must try to accommodate the recommendations.
Temporarily unfit
In cases such as unstable cardiovascular disease, pregnancy or severe sleep disorders, the doctor may advise against night work for a period. You retain the right to day work or sick leave according to the applicable collective agreement.
Whatever the outcome, the aim is to ensure that your health and your career can go hand in hand - both now and in the long term.
Digital access to your certificates
After each health check, the night work certificate is securely filed in your electronic record. This means that you can retrieve a valid document at any time if you change employers or need to document your fitness in connection with an internal audit.
How much does a night work certificate cost?
You must book a 60-minute physical consultation for this certificate.
Price: 3,600
Book an appointment for a night shift health check
Do you want to make sure your employees receive a statutory and professional health examination without unnecessary waiting time? At Lægerne Danmark we offer fast booking, flexible appointments and a nationwide team that can perform examinations directly at the workplace or in our clinics.
Frequently asked questions about night shift health checks
