What must an employer provide if the workload imposed is determined to be onerous?

When a workload is assessed as onerous, an employer is typically required to provide standby payment. This payment serves as compensation for the additional burden placed on employees due to excessive or unreasonable work demands. Standby payment recognizes the extra strain on workers and aims to mitigate the impacts of such challenging workloads. It acknowledges that employees may be expected to remain available for tasks without necessarily being actively engaged in routine work processes, which can lead to both physical and mental fatigue.

In contrast, additional training might not directly address the immediate consequences of an onerous workload, as it is more focused on skill enhancement rather than compensation for excessive demands. Workshift changes and extended breaks can provide immediate relief but do not inherently compensate for the workload; they instead may serve as adjustments to improve employee conditions without providing the financial recognition that standby payment offers.