In 1995 the AMA commissioned a report on the topic of the hours of work for hospital doctors in training. It had been a concern of the AMA that doctors in training are, at times, required to work extended hours without proper regard to rest and recovery time.

While the Safe Hours Campaign, which resulted in the formalisation of the National Code of Practice - Hours of Work, Shiftwork and Rostering for Hospital Doctors, has concentrated on the effect of long working hours and poor rostering practices, the occupational health and safety legislative obligations of employers and employees lends considerable weight to the Campaign.

Workplace health and safety legislation exists in NSW to protect employees for unsafe work places and unhealthy work practices. Essentially, employers have a legal obligation to ensure a workplace is such that the health and safety of employees and others associated with the workplace is paramount. Equally so, employees have an obligation to report any unsafe practices.

In many instances, hospital rostering practices and extended hours of work are not safe - for the doctor or for the patient. The AMA's Safe Hours Campaign is about the management of work practices so that employees are not subjected to unsafe work practices.

In July 2001 the AMA released a Report on findings collated from Audits completed. Copies of the Report may be obtained from AMA (NSW).

Further survey results were released in 2006 and AMA continues to maintain a vigil via the Fatigue Risk Assessment Tool available at www.ama.com.au

NSW Health is also working in this area with Policy Directives and Guidelines for employers being available on the their website www.health.nsw.gov.au

AMA (NSW) will shortly be publishing information for junior doctors on what to do it being asked to work unsafe hours.