Six in 10 women avoid drinking over state of site toilets
Summary
A survey of 633 construction workers reports widespread dissatisfaction with site toilet and welfare provision, with women more likely than men to restrict drinking or experience inconsistent access. The findings highlight issues around cleanliness, privacy, sanitary disposal and maintenance, alongside concerns about workforce retention.
Why it matters
While the article focuses on construction sites, the welfare and access issues are relevant to surveyors involved in site inspections, project monitoring and compliance checks. It also underlines the practical importance of CDM welfare requirements and the potential operational and reputational risks of poor site facilities.
Key points
- More than six in 10 women surveyed said they avoided drinking to reduce toilet use.
- Only around four in 10 respondents said toilets always had functioning locks.
- The report says inadequate welfare provision is linked to workers leaving sites or considering leaving the sector.
- Health and Safety Executive guidance and CDM 2015 welfare duties are cited in relation to toilet provision.
- The survey notes possible sampling bias because participants were recruited via social media.
This is an RPSA summary of a publicly available article. The full content remains with the original publisher.
