What is the maximum number of hours a worker can be required to work weekly, including overtime?

The correct answer reflects labor regulations that typically govern the maximum hours a worker can be asked to work in a week. Labor laws, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in the United States, often establish a standard workweek of 40 hours. However, in many jurisdictions, there are provisions that allow for greater flexibility in working hours, particularly when it comes to averaging periods.

An average of 48 hours over a 7-day period is commonly within the bounds of labor regulations in many countries, particularly in sectors that may require extended shifts or a different approach to work schedules, such as healthcare or manufacturing. This allows for a maximum of 48 hours while considering that different days in a workweek might have varying hour demands, thus the requirement over a full week rather than strictly adhering to a daily basis.

In contrast, the other options propose maximum limits that extend beyond what is typically permissible by labor law in most contexts. The emphasis on an average over 7 days serves to provide flexibility while still offering protection against unreasonable working hours. This understanding reflects compliance with labor laws that aim to balance the needs of employers for operational flexibility with the rights of workers to reasonable working conditions.