Breaktime v2 is a freeware program designed to improve H&S policies by reminding employees to take regular breaks at predetermined intervals while working on computers. This helps reduce the number of complaints related to Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI).
With Breaktime v2, the application provides a log of whether the user accepted or rejected the break. If the break is accepted, the start bar is removed, and the user is unable to access their PC for the length of the break. Additionally, Breaktime is programmed to provide regular breaks at intervals suggested by the Health and Safety Guidelines.
By using Breaktime, clients can prove that they have tried to enforce the employees to take regular breaks from their workstation through the log files produced by the software. If an employee attempted to claim RSI damages, clients can demonstrate that the workstation design met Health and Safety Guidelines, and that the employee was sent on training courses for posture.
The software has been successful, with a user base of over 23,000 users worldwide established within 18 months of the release of Breaktime v1. Due to its popularity, the software was re-written in .Net based architecture to facilitate deployment to Microsoft Windows Vista, and provide the ability to introduce different features dependent on company size.
Breaktime v2 is currently available in two versions, Personal and SME. A Corporate version is scheduled for release in Quarter 4 of 2007. Overall, Breaktime v2 is an excellent software to have for clients who want to ensure their employees take regular breaks from their computers and prevent health hazards that come with prolonged usage.
Version 2: Rewritten in .Net