I’ve got a topic that might not be the most glamorous, but it’s critical nonetheless. We’re talking about restrooms and sanitation, and how OSHA has a thing or two to say about it.

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. OSHA says that employers have to provide restrooms that are clean and easily accessible to employees. And that’s not just for the workers – it’s for the customers too. If you run a business, your restrooms can say a lot about the level of cleanliness and professionalism you’re bringing to the table.

So, how do you make sure your restrooms are up to snuff? First of all, OSHA says they’ve got to be cleaned regularly. And don’t forget about the little things, like making sure there’s plenty of soap and toilet paper, and that the toilets are flushing properly. And, if you’re working on a job site, OSHA says you’ve got to make sure the portable restrooms are cleaned regularly and emptied as needed.

Now, let’s talk about accessibility. OSHA says that employers have to provide an adequate number of restrooms for the size of the workforce, and they’ve got to be accessible when needed. And, if you’ve got mobile workers, they need to have access to restrooms within 10 minutes. OSHA’s got guidelines on all of this, so check ’em out!

And remember, folks, handwashing is key to keeping everyone healthy. OSHA says that employers have to provide hot and cold running water or lukewarm water, hand soap or similar cleansing agent, and warm air blowers or individual hand towels (e.g., paper or cloth). And waterless hand cleaner and towels/rags are not adequate substitutes for soap and water.

And, last but not least, OSHA says that employers must allow workers to leave their work locations to use the restroom when needed, and they can’t impose unreasonable restrictions on restroom use. If you’re working on a production line or as a bus driver, and you need to take a break, your employer may have a system in place for you to request relief, as long as there are enough relief workers to make sure the wait isn’t too long.

So, let’s recap, employers must:

  • Allow workers to leave their work locations to use a restroom when needed.
  • Provide an adequate number of restrooms for the size of the workforce to prevent long lines.
  • Avoid imposing unreasonable restrictions on restroom use.
  • Ensure restrictions, such as locking doors or requiring workers to sign out a key, do not cause extended delays

In conclusion, folks, restrooms and sanitation might not be the most thrilling topic, but it’s important nonetheless. And remember, OSHA has your back with guidelines to make sure everyone’s taken care of. Take care of your workers, take care of your customers, and take care of yourself. A clean and functional restroom can go a long way in making everyone’s day a little bit better.

References:

  1. OSHA’s main informational page on restrooms and sanitation:
  2. OSHA regulations: