Welfare facilities in the workplace

It is the law to provide acceptable and suitable welfare facilities in a place of work, as these facilities are necessary for the comfort and health of your employees. They include sufficient toilets, washing, changing facilities, a place to rest and somewhere clean to eat and drink during breaks. To provide a source of clean running hot and cold water and an appliance for staff to warm up food is also necessary.

 

Bathroom facilities

With regards to the staff toilets there are a few protocols you need to follow.

First of all you need to provide enough toilets, and large enough washbasins for your number of staff. If possible it’s best to split them into male and female toilets separately, with lockable doors. This area needs to be well ventilated and lit, as well as having sufficient toilet paper, hand towels or a hand dryer, and soap. Sanitary bins for female employees are a necessity, as well as showers, should your line of work require your staff to get dirty.

Most importantly, you must consider the needs of those with a disability, and adapt the above to ensure ease of access and use for all employees.

Break areas

When it comes to staff breaks, you need to provide a comfortable place away from the working area that is clean and has access to washing facilities nearby. A microwave, fridge, kettle and running water are ideal to have in this area, as these appliances all help to provide your staff with a means for heating up their food, storage for their lunch and fresh hot/cold water for drinks.

If you have expectant or nursing mothers in your company then it is good practice to provide somewhere quiet for them to rest or lie down, should they wish/need too.

Changing areas

Changing facilities are required should staff need to get changed into a uniform. These facilities should provide the correct amount of privacy, as well as being big enough for someone to comfortably get changed in. Lockers are also useful, so that employees can lock their valuables away safely. Added seating would be advantageous, along with a hook for each employee, so clothes and coats can be hung and not get in the way or contaminated.

Once all of the above is in place, you must make sure they are maintained to a high standard of cleanliness and tidiness. You must also make sure that all facilities are consistently stocked up with toilet paper, hand soap and paper towels, or whatever else they need. Ultimately, great facilities in a workplace can encourage happier, more productive staff, so it’s well worth investing some time and effort into creating a work area that your staff enjoy.