Arizona Contractors License Practice Exam

What defines a work week according to labor regulations?

1. A period of 120 hours

2. A schedule of 40 hours

3. A period of 168 hours during seven consecutive 24-hour periods

4. A rotating schedule of 180 hours

The correct answer is: A period of 168 hours during seven consecutive 24-hour periods

A work week is defined as a period of 168 hours, which is equivalent to seven consecutive 24-hour periods. This definition is fundamental in labor regulations as it sets the standard for how hours worked are calculated for various purposes, including eligibility for overtime pay. Understanding this framework is crucial for contractors and employers to ensure compliance with labor laws, particularly in terms of wage and hour regulations. The significance of this definition lies in its uniformity and consistency, allowing for clear determination of what constitutes a full work week. Knowing that a work week encompasses all 168 hours, businesses can properly track and manage employee hours, ensuring fair compensation and adherence to legal obligations. The other options represent alternatives that do not align with this standard definition. For instance, a 120-hour or a 180-hour definition would misrepresent the typical structure of a week, while a 40-hour schedule simply refers to a common full-time work schedule rather than the complete span of a week. Thus, the selection of 168 hours as the definition of a work week correctly encapsulates the entire period in which work hours are measured.