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Work Environment and Facilities

PCBU Duties for Work Environment​

PCBUs must ensure the work environment does not pose risks to health and safety, including providing:

  • Adequate facilities (toilets, drinking water, eating areas)
  • Safe access and egress
  • Adequate lighting, ventilation, temperature
  • Suitable work surfaces and seating
  • Protection from weather

Toilets and Washing Facilities​

Toilets​

Minimum Requirements:

For workers:

  • 10 or fewer workers: One unisex toilet permitted
  • >10 workers: Separate facilities (or gender-specific designation) typically required
    • Females: One toilet for every 15 female workers or part thereof
    • Males: One toilet for every 20 male workers or part thereof

(Note: Ratios may vary slightly by state, check local regulations. Above is based on Managing Work Environment Code).

Construction Sites: Must provide:

  • Separate facilities for men and women (or unisex single cubicles)
  • Toilet paper, hand washing facilities
  • Adequate lighting and ventilation
  • Privacy (lockable doors)
  • Located within reasonable distance (typically <200m)

Portable Toilets:

  • Must be regularly serviced and cleaned
  • Adequate number for workforce
  • Hand washing facilities or hand sanitizer

Washing Facilities​

Required when:

  • Work involves substances that could contaminate skin
  • Work is physically demanding causing perspiration
  • For personal hygiene after using toilet

Must provide:

  • Running water (warm if practicable)
  • Soap or washing agent
  • Towels or hand dryers

Drinking Water​

Requirements:

  • Adequate supply of cool, clean drinking water
  • Readily accessible to all workers
  • Cups/drinking vessels (unless bubbler)
  • Protected from contamination

Construction Sites:

  • Drinking water stations or coolers
  • More frequent access in hot weather
  • Ice or refrigeration in summer

[!warning] Hot Weather Dehydration causes heat stress. Ensure ample drinking water and encourage regular drinks, especially in hot conditions.

Eating Facilities​

Requirements:

  • Designated area for eating meals
  • Protected from workplace contaminants
  • Seating
  • Protection from weather
  • Tables or flat surfaces

Construction Sites:

  • Lunch shed or demountable building
  • Benches with shelter
  • Away from dust, chemicals, noise
  • Hand washing before eating

Temperature and Ventilation​

Working in Heat​

Risks:

  • Heat stress, heat stroke (potentially fatal)
  • Dehydration, fatigue
  • Reduced concentration (increased accident risk)

Controls:

  • Shade structures, rest areas
  • Drinking water readily available
  • Modify work schedule (work during cooler hours)
  • Frequent rest breaks
  • Allow acclimatization for new workers
  • Monitor workers for heat stress symptoms

Heat Stress Symptoms:

  • Excessive sweating or stopped sweating
  • Dizziness, nausea, headache
  • Rapid pulse, confusion
  • Loss of consciousness

Emergency Response: Move to cool area, remove excess clothing, cool with water, seek medical help.

Working in Cold​

Risks:

  • Hypothermia, frostbite
  • Reduced dexterity (accident risk)
  • Slips on ice

Controls:

  • Warm break areas
  • Hot drinks available
  • Allow frequent warm-up breaks
  • Appropriate clothing (layered, waterproof)

Ventilation​

Natural Ventilation:

  • Outdoor work generally adequate
  • Open doors/windows in enclosed areas

Mechanical Ventilation: Required when:

  • Natural ventilation insufficient
  • Contaminants generated (dust, fumes, vapors)
  • Confined spaces

See: Hazardous Chemicals for ventilation requirements.

Lighting​

Requirements:

  • Adequate lighting for safe work performance
  • Avoid glare and shadows
  • Emergency lighting for evacuation

Construction Sites:

  • Natural lighting where possible
  • Task lighting for detailed work
  • Temporary site lighting for evening/enclosed work
  • Portable lights for confined spaces

Access and Egress​

Safe Access​

Workers must have safe means to:

  • Enter and leave the workplace
  • Move around the workplace
  • Access their work positions

Construction Sites:

  • Clear pathways (min 600mm wide)
  • Free from obstacles and trip hazards
  • Signposted where needed
  • Separated from vehicle routes
  • Stairs, ramps, or ladders to different levels

Stairs and Ramps​

Stairs:

  • Firm, level treads
  • Adequate width (min 600mm)
  • Handrails both sides for flights >1m rise
  • Non-slip surface
  • Adequate lighting

Ramps:

  • Maximum gradient 1:8 (steeper requires steps)
  • Non-slip surface
  • Edge protection if fall risk
  • Handrails for steep ramps

Ladders​

When Permitted:

  • Short-duration work
  • Low-risk work
  • Where other access not practicable

Requirements:

  • Industrial-rated ladder (not domestic)
  • Inspected before use
  • Secured (tied off or footed)
  • Correct angle (1:4 ratio)
  • 3-point contact maintained
  • Extend 1m above landing platform

See: Falls from Heights for detailed ladder guidance.

Housekeeping​

Good housekeeping prevents:

  • Slips, trips, and falls
  • Fire risks
  • Pest infestation
  • Exposure to contaminants

Practices:

  • Clear walkways and work areas daily
  • Remove waste regularly
  • Store materials in designated areas
  • Clean up spills immediately
  • Organize tools and equipment

Construction Sites:

  • Dedicated waste bins (general, recyclable, hazardous)
  • Regular site cleanup schedule
  • "Clean as you go" culture

First Aid​

Requirements:

  • First aid kits readily accessible
  • Contents appropriate for work hazards
  • Trained first aiders

Construction Sites (typical):

  • 1 first aider per 25 workers (high-risk work)
  • Multiple kits at large/dispersed sites
  • Vehicle-mounted kits for mobile crews
  • Emergency eyewash where chemicals used

See: First Aid Requirements for detailed guidance.

Seating and Work Surfaces​

Where work can be done seated: Must provide:

  • Suitable seating (adjustable where practicable)
  • Adequate workspace
  • Work at appropriate height

Construction Context: While much construction work requires standing/moving, provide seating for:

  • Break areas
  • Site offices
  • Guard duties/monitoring positions
  • Where work allows (surveys, inspections)

Remote and Isolated Work​

Additional Considerations:

  • Communication systems (phone, radio, satellite)
  • Check-in procedures
  • Emergency response procedures
  • First aid provisions
  • Access to facilities (may require portable toilets, water)

Practical Construction Example​

Scenario: 40-worker construction site, 6-month project

Facilities Provided​

Toilets:

  • 3 portable toilet units (for 40 workers)
  • Separate male/female or unisex cubicles
  • Weekly servicing contract
  • Hand sanitizer stations

Drinking Water:

  • 2 x 20L water coolers (iced in summer)
  • Disposable cups
  • Located in shade

Eating Area:

  • Demountable shed (6m x 3m)
  • Tables and benches (seating for 20)
  • Protected from weather and dust
  • Hand washing station outside

First Aid:

  • Main first aid kit in site office
  • Vehicle-mounted kit in supervisor's ute
  • 2 first aiders trained (1 per 20 workers)
  • Emergency eyewash station (chemicals used)

Access:

  • Dedicated pedestrian walkways (barricaded from vehicles)
  • Stairs to upper levels (handrails both sides)
  • Signage for access routes

Lighting:

  • Natural light during day
  • Temporary lighting towers for evening work
  • Emergency exit lighting in sheds

Housekeeping:

  • Waste skip bins (general, metal, timber)
  • Daily cleanup of walkways
  • Weekly site-wide cleanup

Review​

  • Facilities inspected weekly
  • Worker feedback on adequacy
  • Additional toilets if workforce increases