A Construction Site Welfare Checklist

Successful business outcomes are a result of a skilled and committed team, quality equipment, and a comfortable working environment. Apply the same formula to any business, including the construction business, and it’s likely to generate a favourable outcome.

However, the working environment of construction sites is risky, unsanitary, and hazardous. Without the proper welfare measures in place, it can be difficult for workers to contribute their best to a project. Making the right welfare provisions available ensures worker safety and convenience and contributes to your project's success.

In this blog, the experts at Hireforce Welfare – a trusted and experienced provider of site welfare units – guide you through correctly setting up building site facilities for workers’ welfare with the help of a construction site welfare checklist.

Key Points to Consider in a Construction Site Welfare Checklist

Meeting welfare requirements for your construction site doesn’t need to be as complex as the construction project itself. You can draw up a checklist to ensure your organisation meets the minimum welfare requirements on construction sites while creating a comfortable and supportive working atmosphere for your workers.

1. Understand Legal Regulations and Requirements

The first and foremost step is to assess what legal requirements and regulations your project needs to follow. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the regulatory body in matters of worker health and safety, and they have outlined recommendations and guidelines for construction sites in the UK. A set of guidelines interprets the standard requirements and what’s necessary to comply with Schedule 2 of Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM).

These include provisions for clean toilets, washing facilities, rest areas, and drinking water. Count on Hireforce Welfare’s range of building site welfare units to ensure complete compliance with the HSE rules and build a safe working environment for your team. 

2. Design Layout for a Building Site Welfare Unit

Once you’ve understood what building site facilities for worker welfare are needed, the next step is to plan how and where you’ll set up the welfare facilities. Whether you’re hiring portable welfare units or portaloos, evaluate the size and scope of your construction site to design the layout for your welfare facilities.

Bear in mind the number of workers, shifts, and work sites when determining the layout. Ensure your welfare facilities are located at a convenient distance from the work site and accessible to all workers. 

3. Provide Adequate Sanitary and Washing Facilities

Sanitary facilities such as toilets and washing facilities are essential for workers to maintain hygiene and cleanliness on site. At the same time, it’s important to ensure both these basic building site facilities are regularly maintained and sufficiently clean at all times.

Assess the size of your workforce to know how many welfare units your site needs. And where possible, make sure there are well-lit and ventilated separate toilets for men and women on site. Sanitary supplies such as clean running water, soap, and toilet paper are a must.

4. Provide Changing Rooms and Lockers

Your construction site also needs changing rooms and storage space for workers. Having changing areas promotes cleanliness and hygiene by allowing workers to change into and out of their work clothes. A designated storage space allows them to securely store their clothing and belongings before setting out to work.

In this regard, Hireforce Welfare’s towable building site welfare units make a world of difference. Our welfare units are designed with a designated drying room for workers to change in and out of their work gear, as well as facilities to hang clothes. There’s plenty of storage space available under the seating area to store any belongings.

5. Designate Areas for Breaks and Rest

Dedicated spaces for breaks and rest are necessary for workers away from the demanding and chaotic construction work environment. A space with tables and chairs allows workers to sit, fuel up, and replenish during break times. Some welfare facilities also make arrangements for vending machines and refrigerators to store and stock food and drink.

Our portable building site welfare units come with a dedicated seating area, completely equipped with well-lit and easy-to-use canteen facilities, including a microwave and kettle. A welcoming atmosphere allows your workers to relax and recharge during their breaks.

6. Implement First Aid Stations

The high-risk and hazardous working conditions on building sites warrant the utmost safety of workers. Even when the necessary safety precautions are in place, it’s essential to set up a first-aid station to provide immediate medical attention. Ensure adequate medical supplies and basic first-aid equipment are in clear and displayable spots so trained personnel can provide quick medical attention in case of accidents or injuries.

7. Ensure Regular Cleaning and Maintenance Activities

Meeting minimum welfare requirements on construction sites is essential. However, ensuring these building site welfare units are kept well-maintained and functioning is vital for worker health and comfort. Pay close attention to concerns and issues raised by your workforce regarding building site facilities and address them quickly.

Our well-equipped building site welfare units accommodate your workforce’s sanitary needs with complete privacy and hygiene. Each unit has a recirculating toilet with regular emptying organised by our team, ensuring adequate worker cleanliness and hygiene. 

Go beyond Minimum Welfare Requirements on Construction Sites with Hireforce’s Building Site Welfare Units

Welfare provisions for construction workers are a fundamental right and an integral part of ensuring a safe working environment. Ensure you follow this ready construction site welfare checklist before you embark on your next project. Follow all the steps to make sure you meet your construction site welfare requirements. 

Demonstrate your commitment to worker welfare while keeping your workforce happy and satisfied with Hireforce Welfare’s well-equipped range of portable welfare units. Our welfare unit range caters to 6 to 16-person setups with and without office space.