Provision of welfare facilities for drivers
2021-0181
AIC has received reports from HGV drivers working in our sector regarding some sites they visit. Drivers in members’ companies are reporting that businesses are failing to provide adequate welfare facilities , as well as reporting concerns around the poor condition and/or cleanliness of such facilities.
All businesses have a duty under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 to provide their workforce and visitors with adequate toilet and washing facilities. HSE guidance is clear that drivers must:
- have access to welfare facilities in the premises they visit as part of their work,
- Regulations 20 and 21 state that “suitable and sufficient” sanitary conveniences and washing facilities shall be provided “at readily accessible places” and that
- hot and cold running water and soap must be available to use, and
- the facilities must be “sufficiently ventilated and lit”.
HSE has issued a joint open letter with the Department for Transport (PDF) about this. The letter aims to reassure drivers and remind businesses of their legal duties.
Improvement notices have been served on businesses who fail to provide adequate facilities and the option of prosecution is also provided for, which could result in fines and prosecution costs. Further information can be found on the HSE website Workplace health, safety and welfare - L24 (hse.gov.uk)
Author
Gillian Barrow
Gill Barrow is Technical Manager for AIC Services. Gill is based at AIC Head Office, Peterborough and is responsible for the management and coordination of the AIC assurance scheme TASCC.
