Health and hygiene in the construction industry may initially appear to be a relatively simple topic due to the fact that the majority of supervisors are aware of its importance. There are often times when such concerns may be overlooked due to other pressing issues such as a completion date or the arrival of new materials. 

THE NEED FOR CONSTRUCTION SITE HYGIENE: Construction site hygiene is essential to ensure the health and well-being of the workers. While it does include cleanliness, there are other equally important aspects that go into maintaining a healthy construction site.  

Do your part on the job to ensure good hygiene. Immediately report unsanitary or hazardous conditions on the jobsite to your supervisor. Participate in site cleanup activities, clean as you go, and keep the worksite clear of debris, trash, and hazardous substances. Use washing facilities to clean your hands and avoid cross-contamination to ensure a healthy work environment for all.

IMPORTANCE OF HOUSEKEEPING: Construction site hygiene also includes housekeeping. This means cleaning the site every day, ensuring the walking surfaces are level and without any dangerous obstacles, and any scrap or potentially injurious material is stored safely and out of the way.

If you use housekeeping best practices, you can minimize the risk of accidents at your construction site, reduce liability, and promote worker productivity. Make an ongoing effort to integrate good housekeeping into your overall on-site operations to prioritize sanitation at all times.

HOW TO PROMOTE SAFE ON-SITE HYGIENE PRACTICES: There are many ways to effectively tackle the concept of health and safety on construction sites. Common practices include the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and recognising the dangers associated with heavy machinery. However, the generally fast-paced nature of these locations dictates that hygiene needs to play an equally important role. This particularly the case when referring to the practices carried out by staff members. 

• Provide Adequate Water: Construction work is intensive, and workers are especially prone to dehydration. Plan to provide enough clean drinking water. Water containers should be clearly marked, fitted with a tight cap, and equipped with a tap for safe dispersion of water. Consider providing environmentally friendly disposal cups, and supply clean containers for storing unused cups and disposing of used cups. 

• Set Up Portable Toilets: Safe, clean, and well-placed toilets should be a priority where construction site sanitation is concerned. 

For increased comfort and efficiency, opt for portable toilets with additional features such as hot and cold water, as well as cooling and heating amenities.

(OSHA) recommends at least one toilet in facilities with 20 or fewer workers.

For sites with 20 or more workers, provide at least 1 toilet and a urinal per 40 workers and at least 1 toilet and a urinal per 50 workers on sites with 200 or more workers.

• Provide Showers: Shower facilities allow employees to rid themselves of potentially harmful construction materials.

To address these needs, rent shower trailers that can be customized to your preference. Shower trailers typically come with large water tanks for cold and hot water and are suitable for sites that do not have running water. Be sure to provide hand and body soap, and separate hand cloth or paper towels.

If you have both female and male workers on your site, provide separate shower stalls for each gender. 

Place bathrooms and showers in close proximity to the worksite for workers’ comfort and convenience.

• Supply Changing Rooms: If your workers wear protective clothing, arrange for a change room. Ask your shower trailer provider about customizing the trailer facility to accommodate a changing room.

Alternatively, consider renting a separate trailer to serve the purpose of a changing room. This facility should have functional and adequate storage space for workers’ clothing, shoes, and other gear.

• Install Hand Washing Stations: Hand-washing and sanitizing stations come equipped with a large supply of water, soap, and paper towels. These may also include an antiseptic agent to eliminate germs on the hands, an important consideration for construction workers who handle all kinds of dirt and debris.

BENEFITS OF CONSTRUCTION HYGIENE 

Employee Happiness: Even though welfare facilities might not seem like much, having these on the site can make a big difference to worker morale. Whilst these are legally required, by investing in ways to have better hygiene on your construction site, you tell your workers that you are invested in their welfare. As a result, they are more satisfied with their job and less likely to leave. This not only helps reduce your company’s turnover but also improves the quality of work.

Company Reputation: Healthy and satisfied employees are more likely to talk about work in good terms. This can add to your company’s reputation, presenting it as a good place to work. Moreover, having proper hygiene on your construction site also helps in the way your company appears to any visitors on the site. A clean, well-maintained site with all the welfare needs met can help your reputation with potential clients and contractors.

Healthier Employees: Since food and water are essential for good health, having clean drinking water available at all times along with a space to sit down and eat means your workers are able to meet their bodies’ nutritional requirements in a stress-free environment. Having a space to sit down and relax between tasks also helps them recover from the strain of the work and unwind. This can be a huge help in ensuring optimal mental health for construction site employees.

Reduce Accidents: In addition to helping workers avoid infection, maintaining proper hygiene on the construction site means there are fewer accidents and injuries there. As a result, workers don’t have to take days off to recover from injuries.

Construction Site Safety Best Practices: Having construction site protocols is important for several reasons. Not only will they prevent your team from becoming injured or incapacitated, but they will also ensure you’re adhering to the strict regulations that govern the industry.

CLEANLINESS AND PROPER SANITATION OVERVIEW PARTICULARLY TO STOP COVID SPREAD

Make sure that there are hand washing stations and hand sanitizing gels available at multiple different locations. 

If a member of your team is sick, whether with COVID-19 or not, you must discourage them from coming into work. 

FINAL WORD

Hygiene in the workplace does not solely dwell in white collar and laboratory settings. Hygiene and sound housekeeping practices go hand in hand in the construction sector.