Safety matters with Dr Paul
Worker Welfare Facilities
Queensland’s Work Health and Safety Act 2011 requires the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) to ensure the health and safety of workers, so far as is reasonably practicable. The provision of adequate facilities for the welfare of workers is one of the obligations in the Act.
The Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 place more specific obligations on the PCBU in relation to welfare facilities including ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, the provision of adequate facilities including toilets, drinking water, washing and eating facilities. The facilities must be in good working order, clean, safe and accessible.
The law requires a PCBU to consult with their workers when making decisions about what facilities are needed or changes to existing facilities that may affect the adequacy of the facilities (for example, the number and location of toilets). The consultation should also cover things such as access, cleaning and maintenance of the facilities.
Consideration should be given to the following when deciding how to provide and maintain welfare facilities:
- the nature of the work being carried out
- the nature of the hazards at the workplace
- the size, location and nature of the workplace (e.g. fixed, temporary or mobile locations)
- the number and composition of the workers
- workers with special access needs
- additional requirements for change rooms, showers, emergency washing facilities, alternative hand hygiene facilities, use of public or client toilets, etc.
While all workers require access to adequate facilities, it may not always be reasonably practicable to provide the same facilities for temporary, mobile or remote workplaces normally provided for fixed workplaces. Appropriate alternative arrangements, however, must be implemented.
Safe Work Australia’s Code of Practice – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities provides useful guidance information for a PCBU in meeting their obligation for providing adequate welfare facilities.
This article provides general information only and should not be a substitute for seeking professional advice regarding your specific situation. Any references included provide additional supporting information.
Dr Paul will be contributing regular articles to assist and advise PCBUs and their workers on the management of health and safety.
