What Is A Welfare Unit And Why Do You Need One?

29 Jan What Is A Welfare Unit And Why Do You Need One?

The Health and Safety Executive enforces a worker’s rights to hygiene, well-being and rest. Worksite operators have a legal obligation to follow these rules by dedicating areas and facilities for these needs.

So, what is a welfare unit? Mobile units are mobile, temporary site facilities such as toilets, canteens and even sleeping accommodation. The type of welfare facilities required on a site depends on the remoteness of said site and the tasks the workers must perform.
These facilities can be set up for worksites, festivals, events and even rail projects. Toilets are important for both hygiene and the benefit of the environment.

WELFARE FACILITIES ON CONSTRUCTION SITES

Harsh weather conditions and working at remote sites can take their toll on the enthusiasm of workers. And a simple, warm place for workers to retreat can both improve productivity and reduce the rate of sickness.

There is currently a certain level of sensitivity regarding the threat of contracting COVID-19 and lesser-known illnesses. In view of the most recent health crisis, hygiene has hit the top of the list for employee concerns.

New health guidelines insist that employees stay 2 metres apart, this means larger heated spaces and staggering of breaks. Toilets need a design that makes them separate and easy to clean. And one of the most important features: a place for employees to wash their hands as often as they need.

Welfare facilities on construction sites should include:

• Toilets: enough for the size of the crew. These must include heating, lighting, and hot and cold running water for handwashing.
• Kitchen facilities. This depends on the size of the crew and location, but the minimal provisions are hot water and a method of heating food. There should also be enough seating for each shift to sit and eat their meals.
• Accommodation on larger remote sites should include places to sleep, showers and temporary offices.

TYPES OF WELFARE FACILITIES ON SITE

Welfare units can be on trailers or standalone; but whether mobile or static, they should offer the same facilities.

Static Units — Great for long-term sites where you need to provide areas for sleeping, eating, toilets and washing away from the main site. These units need lifting into place and they are moved on flatbed trucks or lorries, depending on their size. Static units can also stack on top of each other to make micro-communities where space is in short supply.

Mobile Units — Temporary and easy to move around, mobile units come on trailers or bespoke vehicles. Mobile units are great for short-term projects and festivals — where people need toilets and somewhere to eat and rest. Welfare trailers can cover toilets, canteens and office needs, all in one unit. Welfare vans can include toilets, kitchens and secure storage spaces.

How Can EasyCabin Help?

EasyCabin provides a range of environmentally-friendly, high-quality welfare units.

• The EasyCab range is an all-in-one vehicle and welfare unit. The unit covers catering, toilet and storage facilities for small teams on temporary sites.
• EasyRail adapts welfare units to a rail-trailer, complete with hot water, kitchenette and toilets.
• For large sites and for locations where you expect large numbers of people, EcoSmart is a bespoke solution to manage heavy hygiene demands. EcoSmart can include seating for up to 16 people. If you need a canteen, EcoStatic caters to the greatest of demands.
• Hygiene is paramount to the health and enjoyment of all. EasyCabin’s toilets are perfect for the largest of worksites and festivals, where tens to hundreds of thousands of people gather. These amenities can be basic or include additional fittings for high-end venues and events.

Beyond the HSE

The HSE has set out guidelines on the minimal amount of health and safety a site operator must guarantee an employee. EasyCabin goes beyond the basics and makes homes away from home. EasyCabin’s line of units can meet any configuration and need.

These welfare facilities on site ensure the highest of hygiene levels are upheld. Easing the worker’s minds — reassured that management has their best interests at heart.

When asked, “what is a welfare unit?” The answer is “a facility where a person can get rest, refreshment and relief.” Provide the best welfare units for your workforce with Easy Cabin.

If you require any additional information surrounding the points raised in this blog, do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team here!