Welfare facilities
Why welfare facilities?
Work in the construction industry is arduous; it involves much manual or physical activity. It is also hazardous and dirty. Good welfare facilities not only improve workers’ welfare but also enhance efficiency.
Welfare facilities such as the provision of drinking water, washing, sanitary and changing accommodation, rest-rooms and shelter, facilities for preparing and eating meals, temporary housing, assistance in transport from place of residence to the work site and back, all help to reduce fatigue and improve workers’ health (figure 56). The facilities may be provided and maintained by one contractor for all workers or by individual contractors.
Point to remember:
• Welfare facilities improve morale and consequently improve efficiency.
Sanitary facilities
National laws usually prescribe the type, number, and standard of sanitary facilities which should be provided, but as a general guide the following should be regarded as a practical minimum:
– a sufficient number of water flush-type lavatories for men when this is practicable, including sufficient urinal accommodation; chemical lavatories may be used otherwise;
– a sufficient number of separate water flush-type lavatories for women when this is practicable; again, chemical lavatories may be an alternative;
– the accommodation should be designed and constructed so as to screen the occupants from view and afford protection against the weather;
– the accommodation should be separate from any messroom or rest-room;
– a smooth and impermeable floor;
– effective natural and/or artificial lighting and ventilation;
– at least 30 m from any well;
– constructed for easy maintenance and cleaned out at least daily.
Washing facilities
Work in the construction industry is often dusty and dirty; it may also involve handling chemicals and other dangerous substances so that you need to wash your hands and bodies regularly:
– to prevent chemicals contaminating food and so being eaten during snacks or meals, being absorbed through the skin or being carried home;
– to remove dirt and grime, which can also be ingested and cause sickness and disease;
– as a basic hygiene measure.
When construction work involves the maintenance of or alterations to existing buildings, it is often possible to use the facilities which form part of the building. Otherwise, washing facilities should be provided to the following standards:
– one wash-basin for every 15 workers with a sufficient supply of water and an adequate means of removing wastewater;
– soap, in the form of cake soap, or liquid or powder soap in a special dispenser, to facilitate quick and proper washing, nail-brushes are needed where poisonous substances are used;
– suitable drying facilities such as paper towels, roller towels (or individual towels for each worker) or electric hand-dryers;
– for facilities likely to be of longer duration, mirrors and shelves at each washing point which will help to keep the place tidy and clean;
– where workers are exposed to skin contamination by chemical substances or by oil or grease, a sufficient number of showers, which should be disinfected daily;
– facilities should be covered to provide weather protection, and effectively ventilated and lit.
Facilities for supplying food and drink, and eating meals
Facilities for supplying food at construction work sites can be particularly
Point to remember:
• Play your part in keeping the facilities clean.
Points to remember:
• Always wash your hands before you eat meals.
• Do not take home dirt from the site on you or your clothes.
areas. Remoteness, together with an inadequate temporary housing which lacks cooking facilities, may give rise to considerable problems for workers in the availability and regularity of hygienically prepared and nutritious meals. The problems of shift workers may be even greater.
To meet the need for proper meals, a choice of facilities should be made available:
– facilities to boil water and heat food;
– facilities (including the provision of space, shelter, water, heating and rubbish bins) for vendors to sell hot and cold food and drink;
– a canteen supplying cooked meals or serving packed meals, snacks, and beverages;
– arrangements with a restaurant or canteen near the work site to supply packaged meals.
The meal area
There should be accommodation with tables and seats, protected from the weather, where one can eat in comfort food brought from home or bought from vendors. It should be situated away from workstations to minimize contact with dirt, dust or dangerous substances.
Drinking-water
Drinking-water is essential for workers in the construction industry, irrespective of the type of work they do. You lose several litres of water a day while at work and without replacement you gradually dehydrate, the loss is greater in a hot environment.
Arrangements for the supply of safe drinking-water may be:
– individual closed water bottles or containers when no other facilities are available, hung close to the workplace in a shaded place, free from dust and with plenty of air in circulation, cool water helps avoid heat exhaustion. Containers should be cleaned and disinfected at suitable intervals;
– drinking-water containers made of impermeable materials with suitable covers, kept in a cool, protected place. Unglazed pottery containers keep water cool, and they should be kept in dust-free places. The containers should be cleaned regularly by a designated person;
– drinking-water fountains from a public supply with the water outlet shielded in a manner that prevents the lips of the drinker from being placed against it. Drinking-water fountains are more hygienic than taps and drinking vessels;
– water taps from a public supply clearly labelled to distinguish between drinkable and non-drinkable water. It is preferable to use disposable cups or to provide a separate cup for each worker.
Drinking-water should not be placed in sanitary facilities, or in places where it can be contaminated by dust, chemicals or other substances. Whatever the source of water supply for drinking, whether at the mess accommodation or elsewhere on the site, it should be clearly marked as drinking-water in words or with a suitable sign.
Point to remember:
• Construction work is physically exhausting, and you need hygienically prepared and nutritious meals at regular times.
Point to remember:
• Drink water only from sources clearly marked as drinking water.
Facilities for changing, storing and drying clothes
Secure facilities at the work site for changing from street clothes into work clothes, and for airing and drying the latter, greatly assist workers with their personal hygiene and tidiness and relieve them of anxiety over the security of their possessions.
Changing-rooms are particularly important when workers change from street clothes into protective clothing and when working clothes become wet or dirty. The facilities should include provision for drying wet clothes, whether it be street or working clothing. Separate changing facilities for men and women workers should be provided, at least by adequate screening.
The provision of adequate seats, mirrors and rubbish bins in the changing rooms or close to the lockers will assist workers in paying attention to personal appearance and cleanliness.
Rest breaks
Construction workers begin work early. They start their day alert and productive but their activity level decreases as the day passes. Fatigue develops gradually before it begins to have marked effects. If you rest before you show signs of being really tired, recovery is much faster. Short breaks taken frequently are much better than infrequent long breaks. Productivity improves with frequent rest breaks.
Frequency of rest breaks
National law may prescribe the length of a working day which includes a period or periods for rest breaks. At least one ten-minute break in the morning and one in the afternoon, in addition to a longer break for lunch, are essential.
Workers are not just idle during rest breaks but are recovering from fatigue and preparing for continued productive work. Getting away from a noisy or polluted workplace helps to relax and recover from fatigue, and an area with seating and out of direct sunlight should be set aside for rest breaks.
Child-care facilities
Working mothers employed at construction sites often need help with the special problems of caring for their children while they are at work.
Basic provisions
A clean and well-ventilated room, preferably with access to an enclosed space, is the main facility needed. A few items of simple furniture are necessary for the children to sit or lie down, and some toys help. There should be provided for feeding the children with nutritious meals at regular times and, for this, there should also be access to cooking facilities or a canteen.
It is essential for someone to care for the children while their mothers are at work, prepare their meals and feed them regularly. It may be possible for mothers themselves to take turns to look after the children. Mothers, especially nursing mothers, should be able to visit their children during recognized breaks from work.
Watch the children’s movements
Each year there are many tragic deaths of children on construction sites. Children should never be allowed to wander into or play on sites. There are excavations to fall into, scaffolding to fall from, hazardous equipment,
Point to remember:
• Breaks which are short and taken often are better than long breaks taken infrequently.
loose and dangerous building materials, and chemicals lying about.
Discussion
If you agree that good work-related welfare facilities improve workers’ health and morale and their efficiency, resulting in improved productivity and better work relations, what measures have you seen taken to improve the following types of the provision at construction sites?
– lavatories;
– washing facilities;
– eating facilities;
– facilities for changing and storing clothes;
– drinking-water;
– rest breaks;
– child-care facilities.
Why welfare facilities?
Work in the construction industry is arduous; it involves much manual or physical activity. It is also hazardous and dirty. Good welfare facilities not only improve workers’ welfare but also enhance efficiency.
Welfare facilities such as the provision of drinking water, washing, sanitary and changing accommodation, rest-rooms and shelter, facilities for preparing and eating meals, temporary housing, assistance in transport from place of residence to the work site and back, all help to reduce fatigue and improve workers’ health (figure 56). The facilities may be provided and maintained by one contractor for all workers or by individual contractors.Point to remember:
• Welfare facilities improve morale and consequently improve efficiency.
Sanitary facilities
National laws usually prescribe the type, number, and standard of sanitary facilities which should be provided, but as a general guide the following should be regarded as a practical minimum:
– a sufficient number of water flush-type lavatories for men when this is practicable, including sufficient urinal accommodation; chemical lavatories may be used otherwise;
– a sufficient number of separate water flush-type lavatories for women when this is practicable; again, chemical lavatories may be an alternative;
– the accommodation should be designed and constructed so as to screen the occupants from view and afford protection against the weather;
– the accommodation should be separate from any messroom or rest-room;
– a smooth and impermeable floor;
– effective natural and/or artificial lighting and ventilation;
– at least 30 m from any well;
– constructed for easy maintenance and cleaned out at least daily.
Washing facilities
Work in the construction industry is often dusty and dirty; it may also involve handling chemicals and other dangerous substances so that you need to wash your hands and bodies regularly:
– to prevent chemicals contaminating food and so being eaten during snacks or meals, being absorbed through the skin or being carried home;
– to remove dirt and grime, which can also be ingested and cause sickness and disease;
– as a basic hygiene measure.
When construction work involves the maintenance of or alterations to existing buildings, it is often possible to use the facilities which form part of the building. Otherwise, washing facilities should be provided to the following standards:
– one wash-basin for every 15 workers with a sufficient supply of water and an adequate means of removing wastewater;
– soap, in the form of cake soap, or liquid or powder soap in a special dispenser, to facilitate quick and proper washing, nail-brushes are needed where poisonous substances are used;
– suitable drying facilities such as paper towels, roller towels (or individual towels for each worker) or electric hand-dryers;
– for facilities likely to be of longer duration, mirrors and shelves at each washing point which will help to keep the place tidy and clean;
– where workers are exposed to skin contamination by chemical substances or by oil or grease, a sufficient number of showers, which should be disinfected daily;
– facilities should be covered to provide weather protection, and effectively ventilated and lit.
Facilities for supplying food and drink, and eating meals
Facilities for supplying food at construction work sites can be particularly
Point to remember:
• Play your part in keeping the facilities clean.
Points to remember:
• Always wash your hands before you eat meals.
• Do not take home dirt from the site on you or your clothes.
areas. Remoteness, together with an inadequate temporary housing which lacks cooking facilities, may give rise to considerable problems for workers in the availability and regularity of hygienically prepared and nutritious meals. The problems of shift workers may be even greater.
To meet the need for proper meals, a choice of facilities should be made available:
– facilities to boil water and heat food;
– facilities (including the provision of space, shelter, water, heating and rubbish bins) for vendors to sell hot and cold food and drink;
– a canteen supplying cooked meals or serving packed meals, snacks, and beverages;
– arrangements with a restaurant or canteen near the work site to supply packaged meals.
The meal area
There should be accommodation with tables and seats, protected from the weather, where one can eat in comfort food brought from home or bought from vendors. It should be situated away from workstations to minimize contact with dirt, dust or dangerous substances.
Drinking-water
Drinking-water is essential for workers in the construction industry, irrespective of the type of work they do. You lose several litres of water a day while at work and without replacement you gradually dehydrate, the loss is greater in a hot environment.
Arrangements for the supply of safe drinking-water may be:
– individual closed water bottles or containers when no other facilities are available, hung close to the workplace in a shaded place, free from dust and with plenty of air in circulation, cool water helps avoid heat exhaustion. Containers should be cleaned and disinfected at suitable intervals;
– drinking-water containers made of impermeable materials with suitable covers, kept in a cool, protected place. Unglazed pottery containers keep water cool, and they should be kept in dust-free places. The containers should be cleaned regularly by a designated person;
– drinking-water fountains from a public supply with the water outlet shielded in a manner that prevents the lips of the drinker from being placed against it. Drinking-water fountains are more hygienic than taps and drinking vessels;
– water taps from a public supply clearly labelled to distinguish between drinkable and non-drinkable water. It is preferable to use disposable cups or to provide a separate cup for each worker.
Drinking-water should not be placed in sanitary facilities, or in places where it can be contaminated by dust, chemicals or other substances. Whatever the source of water supply for drinking, whether at the mess accommodation or elsewhere on the site, it should be clearly marked as drinking-water in words or with a suitable sign.
Point to remember:
• Construction work is physically exhausting, and you need hygienically prepared and nutritious meals at regular times.
Point to remember:
• Drink water only from sources clearly marked as drinking water.
Facilities for changing, storing and drying clothes
Secure facilities at the work site for changing from street clothes into work clothes, and for airing and drying the latter, greatly assist workers with their personal hygiene and tidiness and relieve them of anxiety over the security of their possessions.
Changing-rooms are particularly important when workers change from street clothes into protective clothing and when working clothes become wet or dirty. The facilities should include provision for drying wet clothes, whether it be street or working clothing. Separate changing facilities for men and women workers should be provided, at least by adequate screening.
The provision of adequate seats, mirrors and rubbish bins in the changing rooms or close to the lockers will assist workers in paying attention to personal appearance and cleanliness.
Rest breaks
Construction workers begin work early. They start their day alert and productive but their activity level decreases as the day passes. Fatigue develops gradually before it begins to have marked effects. If you rest before you show signs of being really tired, recovery is much faster. Short breaks taken frequently are much better than infrequent long breaks. Productivity improves with frequent rest breaks.
Frequency of rest breaks
National law may prescribe the length of a working day which includes a period or periods for rest breaks. At least one ten-minute break in the morning and one in the afternoon, in addition to a longer break for lunch, are essential.
Workers are not just idle during rest breaks but are recovering from fatigue and preparing for continued productive work. Getting away from a noisy or polluted workplace helps to relax and recover from fatigue, and an area with seating and out of direct sunlight should be set aside for rest breaks.
Child-care facilities
Working mothers employed at construction sites often need help with the special problems of caring for their children while they are at work.
Basic provisions
A clean and well-ventilated room, preferably with access to an enclosed space, is the main facility needed. A few items of simple furniture are necessary for the children to sit or lie down, and some toys help. There should be provided for feeding the children with nutritious meals at regular times and, for this, there should also be access to cooking facilities or a canteen.
It is essential for someone to care for the children while their mothers are at work, prepare their meals and feed them regularly. It may be possible for mothers themselves to take turns to look after the children. Mothers, especially nursing mothers, should be able to visit their children during recognized breaks from work.
Watch the children’s movements
Each year there are many tragic deaths of children on construction sites. Children should never be allowed to wander into or play on sites. There are excavations to fall into, scaffolding to fall from, hazardous equipment,
Point to remember:
• Breaks which are short and taken often are better than long breaks taken infrequently.
loose and dangerous building materials, and chemicals lying about.
Discussion
If you agree that good work-related welfare facilities improve workers’ health and morale and their efficiency, resulting in improved productivity and better work relations, what measures have you seen taken to improve the following types of the provision at construction sites?
– lavatories;
– washing facilities;
– eating facilities;
– facilities for changing and storing clothes;
– drinking-water;
– rest breaks;
– child-care facilities.
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