Setting up a new construction site can be a huge task and there is a lot to think about. Whilst paperwork and red tape might be your biggest concern, you should also be thinking about what welfare facilities will be available on site.
This will not only help to keep your staff safe whilst they are working, but also make them feel looked after and valued on site which will be a huge benefit to everyone.
To explain further, Andrew Sinclair of Get Loos, shares his insights on welfare facilities that will make a huge difference on your construction site.
1. Fresh water
Staying hydrated is always vital, but even more so when doing manual work. This can be incredibly draining, especially when the sun comes out, so it is important to make sure that there is a supply of fresh drinking water on site which is easily accessible for all.
You should also make sure that there is a flow of fresh water for handwashing as well, in order to maintain safety and hygiene levels. There may also be a need for water when it comes to mixing materials and washing equipment, so this should be one of the first things that you put in place.
2. Portaloos
Providing toilet facilities is essential for all construction sites, as workers could find themselves a long way from any toilets. This means they would need considerable time to go off site and find suitable amenities, making them much less productive and adding to your costs.
Having good, clean and well-maintained toilets also means that you ensure the safety and hygiene of your site and your employees. Portable toilets can also offer privacy for your clients when they visit the site, which will help you to offer a better experience for them.
3. First aid
It is a sad fact of life that accidents will happen, no matter what safeguards we put in place, so you need to ensure that there are first aid kits on site. A construction site is full of risk, and so being able to tend to injuries when they occur can minimise disruption and ensure the welfare of your staff and visitors at all times.
4. Protective equipment
It is important to make sure that your workers are adequately protected at all times, and it is your responsibility to provide them with any Personal Protective Equipment that they might need. This will include things such as hard hats, gloves and protective eyewear which will ensure the health and safety of your staff and protect your business from claims for injuries that could have been avoided.
5. Canteen
An army marches on its stomach, and a construction site does too. A physically demanding role means that workers will need the ability to take a break and refuel in order to continue doing their job to the best of their abilities. Having a canteen on site gives them the opportunity to do this, and can also provide some respite from whatever weather conditions they are being subjected to.
6. Access
You will need to ensure that your site has safe access for everyone. This will include keeping vehicles and pedestrians apart, creating temporary access platforms on scaffolding and adequate barriers, gates and signage to keep everyone safe. This access could even include parking facilities for the team’s vehicles and for deliveries. This might need something hardstanding to avoid a muddy mess in the winter months, but it can help to keep machinery safe, and provide a safe and convenient space for loading unloading.
Providing the right welfare facilities plays a massive part in keeping everyone healthy and safe. They may seem like small considerations in the grand scheme of things, but a looked after workforce is a hard-working and loyal workforce, and that is something that you simply cannot put a price on.
Andrew Sinclair is the Managing Director of Get Loos Ltd, specialists in portable toilet hire for a range of purposes such as weddings, festivals, construction sites, and more.
