Site welfare Toolbox Talk
Clean toilets, washing, drinking water, changing and rest facilities are basic controls, not optional extras. Welfare must be available from the start and maintained throughout the work.
Key points
- Provide enough clean toilets with lighting and ventilation.
- Provide hot and cold or warm running water, soap and drying facilities.
- Provide wholesome drinking water clearly separate from non-drinking supplies.
- Provide a heated or cooled rest area with seats and means to prepare hot drinks and food where needed.
- Provide changing, drying and secure storage for clothing.
- Keep eating areas free from dust and hazardous substances.
- Inspect, clean and restock facilities routinely.
Do
- Wash before eating or drinking.
- Report faults promptly.
- Leave facilities clean for others.
Don't
- Do not eat in contaminated work areas.
- Do not store PPE with personal clothing where contamination can transfer.
- Do not tolerate absent washing water.
Questions to ask the group
- Where are toilets, water and rest facilities?
- How are dirty and clean clothing separated?
- Who reports welfare defects?
References: Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015; Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992