Generally, workers can legally work up to 24 hours in a single day. However, some workers have exceptions, such as those under 16 years old, in regulated industries like trucking, or subject to a collective bargaining agreement.
Federal and state laws do not limit the daily hours for most workers. Laws consider over 40 weekly hours as overtime. Otherwise, agreements or policies limit hours.
Specific Regulations by Region
Illinois requires 24 hours of rest per calendar week, with few exceptions.
Unless agreed between employer and employee, Australian employees can work a maximum of 12 hours in a day.
Full-time staff working 7-10 hours daily are entitled to:
- Paid 10 minute rest breaks
- An unpaid 30-60 minute meal break
- A minimum break of 10-12 hours between shifts
Federally Regulated Industries
The standard daily hours in federally regulated industries are 8. The standard weekly hours are 40. Companies can’t require employees to exceed these without exceptions.
Child Labor Laws
The only laws limiting work hours focus on children 15 or younger.