Why we need better toilets and restrooms on construction sites

In the rush to meet deadlines on construction sites, a critical aspect of worker well-being often goes unnoticed - access to proper toilets and restrooms. This overlooked issue has far-reaching implications for health, safety and productivity, making it a pressing challenge for the construction industry and while there has been massive progress in this area over the last 50 years, more needs to be done, writes John Ridgeway.

The provision of toilets on construction sites has evolved alongside awareness of worker rights and workplace safety. In the early 20th century, the construction industry was characterised by hazardous conditions, long hours and minimal regard for worker well-being. Toilets, if available at all, were often rudimentary and unhygienic.

The 1970s saw the rise of stronger labour movements and increased government intervention in workplace safety. In countries like the United States, organisations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) began setting standards for worker facilities, including restrooms. Similar initiatives emerged in Europe, Australia, and other industrialised nations. Portable toilets became a standard solution, though their quality and availability still varied widely.

Good toilets are particularly crucial on construction sites as workers often perform physically demanding tasks in challenging conditions. Without access to clean and sanitary restrooms, they are at risk of exposure to infections, gastrointestinal illnesses and urinary tract issues. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), inadequate sanitation is a leading cause of disease outbreaks, particularly in workplaces.

Access to clean restrooms is a matter of basic human dignity. Workers without proper facilities may be forced to relieve themselves in unsafe or unsanitary conditions, leading to embarrassment and diminished morale. This lack of respect for worker well-being can negatively impact the industry’s ability to attract and retain skilled labour, especially in a modern work environment.

Construction sites have traditionally been male-dominated, but as more women enter the field, the need for gender-inclusive restroom facilities have become more apparent. A lack of appropriate facilities for women can exacerbate gender inequality in the workplace.

On a more practical note, inadequate facilities often mean workers must spend time leaving the site to find suitable restrooms, leading to lost productivity. A 2018 study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) found that construction sites with adequate restrooms reported 15% fewer delays compared to those without.

Laws and Regulations

On modern construction sites, failure to provide adequate restroom facilities can result in legal consequences for construction companies. This includes fines, possible lawsuits and reputational damage, emphasising the importance of compliance with regulations.

US based OSHA requires that construction sites have a minimum number of restrooms based on the number of workers. For example, sites with 20 or fewer workers must provide at least one toilet, while larger sites require additional facilities. Restrooms must be clean, accessible and equipped with handwashing stations.

The EU has strict standards for workplace facilities, including construction sites. Directive 89/654/EEC mandates adequate sanitation facilities, including separate toilets for men and women, handwashing stations and provisions for workers with disabilities. Countries like Germany and Sweden have particularly robust enforcement mechanisms.

Australia’s National Construction Code includes requirements for on-site sanitation. Facilities must be accessible, hygienic and regularly maintained. The Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) also outlines penalties for non-compliance.

In India, the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996, requires the provision of restrooms and urinals. However, enforcement is inconsistent and many sites fail to meet the stipulated standards. In developing countries, restroom provisions are also often neglected due to cost constraints and weak enforcement of regulations. This highlights the need for international standards and greater investment in worker welfare.

Installing and maintaining high-quality restrooms can be expensive, particularly for small or temporary construction projects and is one of the main reasons for noncompliance. In addition, construction sites often shift locations and layouts, making it challenging to provide permanent facilities. Portable toilets can address this issue but may require frequent servicing.

In some regions, cultural attitudes toward sanitation and gender can hinder the provision of adequate facilities. Women, for example, may face additional barriers to accessing restrooms due to societal norms. Remote or outdoor construction sites may also lack access to running water, sewage systems, or electricity, complicating restroom installation.

Portable restrooms

Fortunately, modern portable restrooms are equipped with hand sanitisers, ventilation and waste disposal systems. Solar-powered restroom facilities with self-cleaning features and waterless operations are also becoming more popular in areas with limited infrastructure. Furthermore, some companies are adopting gender-neutral restrooms with privacy features to accommodate diverse workforces. Innovative systems that recycle wastewater and convert waste into energy are also being piloted on construction sites.

However, we still have a long way to go. According to a survey by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), 60% of construction workers in developing countries report insufficient restroom facilities on-site. A 2020 study by the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) found that sites with high-quality restroom facilities had a 20% reduction in worker absenteeism. Data from OSHA also indicates that workplace violations related to restroom provisions account for 8% of total construction site fines.

That said, governments worldwide are recognising the importance of sanitation in workplaces. Stricter enforcement of existing laws and the introduction of new standards are likely to improve conditions on construction sites in the future. The construction industry is also embracing sustainability, which extends to restroom facilities. Expect to see more eco-friendly and energy-efficient designs in the coming years. For example, smart restrooms equipped with sensors to monitor cleanliness and usage patterns could become standard on construction sites.

Unions and advocacy groups are already pushing for better working conditions, including improved restroom facilities. Their efforts will likely lead to greater awareness and compliance.

All this means that the construction industry must prioritise the provision of good toilet facilities as a fundamental aspect of worker welfare. Employers, policymakers and stakeholders must collaborate to ensure that all workers have access to clean, safe and dignified restrooms. This is not just a matter of legal compliance but a moral imperative that impacts the health, productivity and dignity of millions of workers worldwide.

By investing in innovative solutions, adopting best practices and enforcing regulations, we can build a future where every construction worker feels valued and respected - a goal as crucial as the buildings and infrastructure they create.