Welfare Facilities Construction Sites Should Have
Project managers must make proper welfare facilities available on construction sites to maintain a safe and productive work environment, and to meet their legal obligations. Good welfare provisions can improve worker morale and efficiency, leading to smoother operations and higher-quality work.
Over 30 years ago, we started our journey at Universal Tankers providing welfare units to a range of industries, from construction sites to music festivals, and we assist businesses and project managers with welfare unit servicing so their sites remain compliant with health, safety, and environmental regulations. In the following guide, our experts explain what welfare facilities construction sites should have and the relevant legal regulations.
Types of Welfare Facilities Required on Construction Sites
Every construction site must have adequate toilet facilities. These facilities can range from portable chemical toilets to more permanent flushing toilets and should be accounted for depending on the scale of the site and how long the project is likely to last. Toilets should be conveniently located, accessible to all workers, and maintained in a clean and hygienic state. Proper ventilation and regular servicing are essential to prevent unpleasant odours and health hazards.
Washing facilities are essential for maintaining hygiene on construction sites. These should provide hot and cold running water, soap, hand drying options (such as paper towels or hand dryers), and nail brushes. Facilities must be kept clean and well-stocked. They should offer sufficient privacy and can be separated by gender.
Access to clean and safe drinking water is a basic necessity for all workers and should be easily accessible, clearly marked, and stored in a way that prevents contamination.
Workers need rest areas that provide shelter from adverse weather conditions and are equipped with seating and tables. If workers need to bring their meals to the site, these areas should also provide facilities for heating food and making hot drinks.
For sites where workers need to change into and out of work clothing, they will need access to secure changing rooms. These rooms must offer privacy and be equipped with lockers for storing personal items safely.
Construction sites must be equipped with fully stocked first aid kits and have trained first aid personnel available at all times. First aid stations should be clearly marked and easy to get to in the event of an accident. The kits should be regularly checked and restocked.
Legal Obligations for Construction Employers
In the UK, several primary regulations lay out the responsibilities of construction project managers:
- The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 outlines the general duties of employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees.
- Specifically for the construction industry, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) place duties on employers to provide suitable welfare facilities for their workers. These regulations require construction projects to have adequate and appropriate facilities in place from the start of the project until its completion.
- The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 detail the requirements for sanitary conveniences and washing facilities. These regulations stipulate that facilities should be readily accessible, kept clean, and maintained in a good state of repair. They must also be ventilated and lit, and measures should be in place to ensure privacy.
- Proper disposal and management of wastewater are critical to environmental protection. Construction sites must meet the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which sets out duties regarding waste management to prevent environmental contamination. This includes using licensed waste carriers and ensuring that wastewater and other hazardous materials are disposed of in compliance with legal standards.
Employers must take proactive steps to minimise their environmental footprint, such as using sustainable materials and technologies where possible. Construction employers can meet these regulations and avoid legal penalties by organising regular audits and compliance checks.
Importance of Regular Welfare Facility Servicing
Welfare facilities must meet health and safety standards, and proper maintenance prevents the build-up of harmful bacteria, reduces the risk of infectious diseases, and ensures that facilities remain functional and hygienic.
Well-maintained welfare facilities can also contribute to a construction site's efficiency. Clean and in good working order facilities reduce downtime and minimise disruptions. Workers who have access to properly maintained rest and hygiene facilities are more likely to take shorter and more efficient breaks, which can boost productivity and morale.
Ensuring that wastewater is safely collected, transported, and disposed of reduces the risk of contamination and environmental damage. New projects should prioritise lowering their environmental impact and contribute to broader sustainability goals.
Universal Tankers' Welfare Servicing Solutions
Universal Tankers regularly provides a wide range of welfare servicing solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of construction sites, including welfare unit servicing, waste tank emptying, and the safe disposal of liquid waste. Whether you need temporary or static welfare unit servicing, our tankers have the expertise and equipment to ensure your facilities are well-maintained and compliant. We also provide a wide range of wastewater equipment, including waste holding tanks, water bowsers, and on-demand pumps.
With our nationwide coverage, we promise next-day service wherever you are located, ensuring minimal disruption to your operations. Our purpose-built vehicles and trained operators are ready to service you even in the most remote and rural conditions.
Get in Touch
For more information and advice on construction site welfare facilities, simply call our teams today on 0800 180 4474 (England) or 01236 434422 (Scotland). Alternatively, fill out the online contact form on this page and we will call you back at a time suitable for you.
