Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 25th April 2024 Issue no. 1111
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All drivers must have access to welfare facilities in premises they visit as part of their work, says HSE
The Health & Safety Executive says it has been receiving reports that some drivers are not being allowed to use welfare facilities when they deliver. “Preventing access is against the law; equally it's not the sensible thing to do,” it says.
“Drivers must have access to welfare facilities in the premises they visit as part of their work. Those who already provide reasonable access to toilets and handwashing facilities should continue to do so.”
With the latest advice for hands to be washed regularly, failure to allow access to welfare facilities may increase the risk of the COVID-19 infection spreading.
Aware for some time of concerns around access to welfare facilities for visiting delivery drivers, the HSE has reviewed its approach including guidance to duty holders and re-examined the Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1992, in particular Regulations 20 and 21.
It has begun to update its guidance to stipulate that drivers must have access to welfare facilities in the premises they visit as part of their work, but as this is likely to take some time, key stakeholders are being informed now.
“The welfare of all workers is a priority and we have consistently said that drivers should have this sort of access,” it says. “We also recognise that the majority of duty holders do already provide reasonable access to toilets.”
19th March 2020