What is site welfare and how can it help your construction site?

When considering construction site safety, most of us immediately think of the dangerous chemicals and hazardous machinery that are present. While those are some of the most common construction site safety hazards, managers should be considerate of hygiene and welfare. UK regulations state that site managers have a responsibility to provide appropriate welfare facilities on a construction site. 

Here at Paragon Tool Hire, we understand that even with every precaution taken, construction sites are still hazardous places to be. We can proudly provide you with the advice and guidance you need to make your construction site a safe place for everyone. Let us explore the importance of welfare facilities for construction sites and the benefits they can bring.

What is construction site welfare?

The type of site welfare provided can depend on the size and location of the construction project. 

Construction site welfare is typically considered to be the following amenities:

• Toilets
• Washing facilities
• Drinking water
• Heating
• Rest areas
• Changing rooms and lockers

Is construction site welfare really necessary?

Construction site welfare facilities are necessary to protect the health and safety of workers. Not only is it a human right for employees to have access to toilets and drinking water, but failure to provide your workers with welfare facilities can also take a toll on their mental health. If construction workers are not provided with adequate toilets, washing facilities and drinking water, they will become agitated and distressed. This distraction can result in accidents on-site, which the employer will be liable to cover.

Let us take a look into the necessary welfare to ensure optimum safety and productivity on your construction site.

Toilets

Flushing toilets and running water must be provided to all staff and should be connected to a mains water and drainage system where possible. When this is not a viable option, with no mains water supply located nearby, a built-in supply of fresh water and drainage tanks should be used. An adequate number of clean, ventilated and well-lit toilets should be provided on your construction site. There is currently a recommended ratio of 1 toilet to every 7 construction workers.

Washing facilities

Adequate washing facilities should be provided next to toilets and changing areas. They must include a clean supply of hot and cold, or warm running water. You should also make sure that your washing facilities offer your construction workers soap, towels and sufficient ventilation and lighting. Sinks that are large enough to wash face, hands and forearms should be available. Specialist, and emergency, washing facilities should be provided in the instance of working with harmful or hazardous chemicals.

Drinking water

All construction workers must have access to clean drinking water. When possible, this water should be directly supplied from the mains. If it is necessary for water to be stored, it must be protected from contamination and changed regularly. Drinking water should be clearly labelled so that it is not confused confused with hazardous liquids.

Rest areas & heating facilities

It is vital that construction workers have somewhere to rest. They must be provided with a suitable area to take frequent breaks during their shift and eat their meals. These rest facilities must have an adequate amount of seating with lumbar support, and provide workers with a way to heat up water for cooking food. Rest areas should not be used to store equipment or materials and should be placed away from the working facilities. To provide shelter from wind and rain, rest areas should also have heating facilities that allow workers to warm up in colder weather conditions.

Changing rooms and lockers

Construction workers will also have belongings that need to be stored safely and securely. It is essential that all sites have a place for employees to change privately and store their personal items. Both personal and protective clothing should have an area where they can be securely stored. If protective site clothing is at risk of contaminating personal clothing, it must be stored separately. There should also be an area where wet clothing can be dried.

Choose Paragon Tool Hire today

With our wealth of experience in the industry, we can advise you on what welfare facilities are needed before construction work begins. As well as having the tools you need to get the job done, our knowledgeable team can offer expert advice and guidance to ensure you get your project underway safely. 

Not only are we extremely educated on welfare regulations and keeping your workers safe, but we also have a range of equipment available that can enhance your construction site. Here at Paragon Tool Hire, we proudly provide site lighting and heating tools that will ensure the health and safety of your construction workers all year round.

To learn more about our tool hire services, or for advice and guidance on construction site welfare, please get in touch today. Call our friendly team now on 01280 822 282 or click here to view our essential tools for construction workers.