How welfare facilities can contribute to the green building site

Construction sites are essential for creating the buildings and infrastructure we use every day. However, they can also take a significant toll on the environment. The good news is that there are ways to make construction sites more sustainable, and welfare facilities can play a vital role in achieving this goal. In this blog, we will explore how welfare facilities can contribute to the green building site.

Welfare facilities are present on most construction sites, and are a legal requirement. They provide workers with the necessary amenities to keep them safe, healthy and comfortable. These facilities include toilets, showers, canteens, rest areas, offices and storage for personal protective equipment. They are designed to meet the needs of workers who spend long hours on these sites.

The environmental benefits of welfare facilities

Construction sites are notorious for their environmental impact. They generate significant amounts of waste, use large amounts of energy and water, and contribute to air and noise pollution. However, welfare facilities can help to mitigate these impacts in several ways.

Firstly, welfare facilities can help to reduce waste. Construction sites generate a lot of waste, including packaging, food waste and human waste. Welfare facilities can provide recycling facilities for workers to dispose of their waste correctly. By segregating waste and recycling as much as possible, the amount of waste sent to landfill can be reduced.

Secondly, welfare cabins can help to reduce energy and water consumption. Construction sites require a lot of energy to power tools and machinery, as well as to heat and light welfare facilities. By installing energy-efficient lighting, heating and water systems, welfare facilities can help to reduce energy consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Water-efficient taps and showers can also help to reduce water consumption and save on bills.

Thirdly, welfare units can help to improve air and noise quality. Construction sites can generate a lot of dust, fumes and noise, which can be harmful to workers and nearby residents. Welfare facilities can provide clean and safe areas for workers to rest and eat, away from the noise and dust of the construction site. Air filtration systems can be installed to remove pollutants from the air, and noise barriers can be used to reduce noise pollution.

Additionally, environmentally-friendly welfare cabins that use renewable energy sources can be independent from diesel generators, which have been a standard power source for construction sites until recently.

Finally, site welfare facilities can help to promote sustainable behaviour. By providing all the necessary amenities for workers to carry-out their routines in comfort, well designed welfare cabins can facilitate recycling, cleanliness and environmentally conscious behaviours on construction sites.

The necessity for site offices rarely comes into question for certain projects: construction and infrastructure projects in remote areas usually require an onsite hub for work to be coordinated. In these cases site offices may appear in different configurations: as meeting rooms for team coordination, as admin or personnel offices or a point for engineering or logistics work to be carried out from.

It's also common to see welfare cabins used as sales offices on housing estate construction projects, or as mobile showrooms for fairs and events. Temporary site offices can greatly benefit a project by providing:

1. We'll begin with the most basic welfare facility, the toilets. On any construction site, it is essential that workers have access to clean, well-maintained and hygienic toilets. These may come in the form of portable toilets or on-site facilities that are properly plumbed in. The number of toilets required will depend on the number of workers on the site and should always meet the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines. The HSE recommends a minimum of one toilet for every seven workers, but additional facilities may be necessary based on the site's location, project duration and other factors.
2. The second construction site welfare facility on the checklist is handwashing facilities. Workers on construction sites come into contact with a range of hazardous materials, and it is important to ensure that they have access to proper handwashing facilities to prevent the spread of illness and disease. Handwashing facilities should include running water, soap and paper towels, and should be located near toilet facilities.
3. Next on the welfare checklist is the rest area. Workers on construction sites often have physically demanding jobs and it is important to provide them with a designated space to rest, eat and take a break. This rest area should include seating, tables and a covered area to protect workers from the elements. Additionally, it should be well ventilated and properly lit. The rest area should be positioned in a convenient location, away from any hazards and easily accessible to all workers.
4. The fourth facility is a drinking water supply. Workers on construction sites need access to clean, fresh water to stay hydrated throughout the day. Employers must provide an adequate supply of drinking water, which should be regularly replenished, and be easily accessible to all workers. Drinking water should be provided in clean, disposable cups, and the water source should be regularly tested to ensure its quality.
5. The fifth facility is the first aid room. Despite taking all necessary precautions, accidents can still happen on construction sites, so it is important to provide a designated first aid room. The first aid room should be equipped with basic first aid equipment such as bandages, antiseptics and other medical supplies. In addition, there should be a qualified first-aider present at all times, who is trained to respond to emergencies and injuries.
6. Lastly, we have the site office. The site office may vary in function, providing a range of administrative and management functions including site inductions, risk assessments and project planning. The site office should be located in a central position on the site, and be accessible to all workers.

Environmentally-friendly welfare unit hire with Welfare 4 Hire

At Welfare 4 Hire, we are committed to providing sustainable welfare facilities for construction sites across the UK. Our welfare cabins are designed to meet the needs of workers while also reducing the environmental impact of construction sites. Our cabins are constructed with durable, high-quality, sustainable materials and include a great number of features and options that lower energy consumption and help reduce their carbon footprint, contributing towards a greener building site.

Eco-friendly units from Welfare 4Hire

Welfare 4 Hire's range of eco-friendly welfare units comes with a range of benefits, including:

• Unbeatable prices
• Modern mobile welfare units, equipped with Ecosmart technology
• Long and short hire terms
• HSE regulation compliance on all products in our range
• Easy to tow or move units that can be ready to use in just 45 seconds
• A robust, galvanised steel construction for safety and security
• Quick nationwide delivery

Find out more about our eco-friendly welfare units

Construction sites will always have an impact on the environment, but by taking a sustainable approach, we can minimise this impact. Eco-friendly welfare facilities can help to mitigate environmental damage by reducing a project's carbon footprint and by offering an environment that promotes sustainable practices.

If you're looking for a welfare cabin hire company that can provide you with the latest in eco-friendly solutions, speak to our team today. Our regularly updated fleet is equipped with the latest technology, designed to promote a greener building site. Our hire rates and quick delivery set us apart from the competition. Contact us today on 020 3846 1111 and find out more about our mobile welfare facility hire services.