FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Large B.C. construction sites will soon require flush toilets and running water
Universally despised porta-potties will soon be a thing of the past on large construction sites in B.C.
Thousands of construction workers across the province, union and non-union, will be experiencing drastically improved sanitary conditions thanks to new regulations requiring flush toilets and running water on worksites with 25 employees or more.
The requirement for flush toilets on large construction sites means workers building B.C.’s next generation of major infrastructure will have much improved washroom facilities along with running water for handwashing.
“Sanitation practices in construction have long fallen short of societal expectations and norms for workplace hygiene,” said BC Building Trades executive director Brynn Bourke. “More appropriate facilities are being used in other industries such as film, tourism and entertainment. It’s time the construction industry addresses one of the most egregious indignities that construction workers have had to face in their daily lives.”
The new WorkSafeBC regulation, which comes into effect on October 1st, comes following a three-year campaign from the BC Building Trades called ‘Get Flushed’. Thousands of letters were sent to Premier David Eby and Labour Minister Harry Bains, imploring them to improve sanitary conditions on construction sites.
“We all know how unpleasant port-a-potties can be, but this is actually a health and safety issue for construction workers,” said Minister of Labour Harry Bains. “We have heard clearly from the building sector that it is an important issue for workers, and it contributes to the sector’s ability to attract and retain workers, including women.”
Construction workers on large projects can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that they won’t have to face the daily frustration of using porta-potties which are inadequate in terms of providing readily accessible, safe and clean toilet, hand hygiene and washing facilities. They also lack sufficient illumination, heating and ventilation for proper disinfection and cleaning.
“I love my job, but one of the worst parts of going to work is facing the nasty conditions inside porta-potties,” said Tiffany Madden, a Red Seal electrician and IBEW 213 member. “These new rules mean myself and my colleagues will be treated with the basic dignity of having flushing toilets, something workers in most other industries take for granted.”
B.C. will now join other jurisdictions that require flush toilets in construction. In 2015, Quebec passed an amendment to the Construction Code addressing the requirement for flush toilets for construction sites. The province also requires hand washing stations.
In Australia, WorkSafe Victoria has requirements and guidance for the use of flush toilets on construction sites. In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive has made it clear that plumbed or portable facilities with built-in water supply are the default requirement for toilets on construction sites.
Media Contact
Jeremy Allingham
Director of Communications, BC Building Trades Council
604-353-1044
About the BC Building Trades Council
Established in 1967, the BC Building Trades represents 20 local craft construction unions and more than 45,000 unionized construction workers in B.C. These highly skilled workers account for approximately 55 per cent of the non-residential construction labour force. We work with construction companies to leverage the most out of development for all stakeholders, to advance the economic prosperity of the province, to put local workers first and to ultimately build a better British Columbia.