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. And the worksite operators have a legal obligation to follow these rules by dedicating areas and facilities for these needs. So, what is a welfare unit? It means such facilities as toilets, canteens, and even sleeping accommodation. The type of facility obligation depends on remoteness and tasks the workers must perform. WHAT IS A WELFARE UNIT? When you ask someone, “what is a welfare unit?” They may say — “a temporary area for people to eat, rest, and refresh.” People need to eat, and whether it be hot or cold, the conditions must be clean — and heated if the weather demands it. These facilities can be set up for worksites, festivals, events, and even rail works. Toilets are important for both hygiene and the benefit of the environment. WELFARE FACILITIES ON CONSTRUCTION SITES? The harsh weather conditions and working at a remote rail site can take their tolls 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 are sensitive fears of contracting COVID-19 and lesser-known illnesses. During health crises, 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 functions, a place for employees to wash their hands as often as they need. FACILITIES IN A UNIT EasyCabin installs the following facilities into their units: Toilets, enough for the size of the crew. With heating, lighting, and hot and cold running water for handwashing. Kitchen facilities, depending on the size of the crew and location, but at the least 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, including 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 divide areas for sleeping, eating, toilets, and washing away from the main site. These units need lifting into place, and they will either move 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 has a wealth of experience in creating and installing welfare units on construction sites: 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 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. And for 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 with fittings for high-end venues and events. BEYOND THE HSE The HSE has set out its guidelines on the least amount of health and safety a site operator must guarantee an employee. EasyCabin goes beyond the basics and makes homes away from homes. EasyCabin’s line of units can meet any configuration and need. These welfare facilities on site are to ensure the highest of hygiene levels are upheld. Easing the worker’s minds — reassured that the 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.” And in return, those using these modern welfare facilities will reward you with a great reputation. 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!