NEW research has revealed almost one in five construction sites don’t have provision for separate male and female toilet facilities.
A survey of over 3,500 Unite members working in the construction sector also revealed that many are forced to endure “entirely inadequate” toilets and washing facilities.
18% of respondents said their workplaces did not have adequate toilet facilities, while 10% of sites did not supply toilet paper. 51% of respondents said their workplace didn’t have showers.
Where showers and toilets were provided, 3% of respondents said they were never cleaned while in 8% of cases, they were only cleaned weekly.
Unite assistant general secretary Gail Cartmail said, “Providing toilets and washing facilities is not a luxury; they are a basic human right. This survey must act as a wake-up call to the construction industry. In the 21st century there is no excuse for any workplace not to provide clean and decent welfare facilities.
“Companies that fail to provide decent welfare facilities can and should be prosecuted and this is an area where Unite is working with the Health and Safety Executive to ensure standards are improved.”
