The Importance of Health and Safety Welfare Facilities for the Wellbeing of Workers

The Importance of Welfare Facilities on Construction Sites

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations for on-site welfare provision include:

 

• Toilet facilities
• Washing facilities
• Access to drinking water
• Accommodation for drying or changing clothes
• Areas for rest and eating

There are many important benefits to providing good health and safety welfare facilities:

Provides a Break Area

Welfare facilities for workers provide a designated space to relax during breaks in the working day. Construction is a physical job, so it is important to offer an opportunity to rest and recuperate during regular specified breaks. With heavy plant and machinery in operation, a construction site has the potential to be a dangerous place. Remaining in the work environment during breaks would pose a hazard to on-duty workers and off-duty workers, as well as adding stress and discomfort. By using the appropriate welfare facilities, workers will have clear spaces where they can think about things other than the work at hand.

Reduces Loneliness

Loneliness has been overlooked for a long time, even by people who were concerned about employee wellbeing. Recently loneliness has been noted to be among the biggest problems facing adults in the construction industry. The issue significantly contributes to mental health issues among employees.

There are no simple solutions to reduce loneliness, but offering avenues for socialisation can significantly help the situation. A good way of fostering communication among employees is by providing communal rest areas within your welfare facilities. Although communication may not eliminate severe loneliness in people with mental health issues, it could help the situation. Welfare facilities may be able to improve wellbeing, productivity and happiness at work.

Directly Promotes Physical Health

Healthy employees are more likely to work safely and effectively. To be operating the tools and machinery on-site, workers must be physically well and able to complete the tasks at hand. Opting for well-maintained welfare facilities for workers - to provide clean water, toilet and wash facilities - will ensure that your site is as safe and hygienic as possible.

Valuing Workers is Great for Staff Retention

On-site facilities are required to comply with HSE worker welfare regulations. However, they may also be part of a company's internal staff welfare and benefit policy as well. Investing in high-quality welfare facilities demonstrates an interest in employee wellbeing and will help your team to feel valued.

Increased Productivity in the Workplace

Employees will feel more comfortable using clean welfare facilities and will likely be more productive if they have access to such amenities. Besides using the facilities to stay healthy, rested and hydrated, they will be able to use them for discussions, thus improving communications between colleagues. Spending some time resting in the facilities will further help your employees work more productively.

Get the Best Welfare Facilities for Workers' Wellbeing and Productivity

The importance of welfare facilities on construction sites should not be underestimated. Paying attention to employee wellbeing is key to a safe and productive site. Here at Welfare 4 Hire, we offer a range of modern mobile facilities. Besides helping you stay compliant with HSE guidelines, our high-quality welfare units will improve the productivity of your employees.

To find out more about our welfare cabins, get in touch today!