BC to require flush toilets at construction sites with 25 or more workers
An improvement in working conditions, starting October 1
Announced last week. CBC News:
Flush toilets will soon be required for large job sites in British Columbia.
Instead of chemical toilets, construction sites with 25 or more workers will have to start providing flush toilets, hand-washing facilities and clean washrooms next month, according to a Thursday press release from the province.
From the press release:
“This regulation addresses one of the most egregious and long-standing indignities that construction workers have had to face in their daily lives,” said Brynn Bourke, executive director, BC Building Trades. “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 hand-washing. A sincere thank you goes out to the provincial government for bringing this regulation into effect and to the thousands of workers who fought for these changes.”
WorkSafeBC’s guidelines will allow for flexibility if flush toilets are not practicable. However, the onus will be on the employer to provide a rationale and evidence for being unable to provide these facilities.
Some comments from a Reddit thread last year:
As someone who has worked and lived in other countries, Porta potties are something I'd expect to see in a less advanced society, I've been disgusted all the time working in BC.
I work for a constructor/developer and first reaction from most was - yeah this makes sense.
I would assume they'll use little trailers with toilets. All they need is power to function and then a water truck to supply water occasionally and a vac truck to take away the sewage from time to time.
The oilpatch uses these all the time on lease sites.
In Ontario we have them on almost every project. It's not really a huge factor in my budget to have a washroom trailer.