Welfare facilities

• Author: International Labour Organization
• Pages: 162-166

162 Meetings-MESHA-Final Code-2010-10-0355-1-En.doc/v2

18. Welfare facilities

Welfare facilities comprise the basic amenities that employers should provide to

workers in agricultural enterprises.

18.1. Water

18.1.1. Dehydration quickly reduces physical and mental ability, thus reducing

productivity and increasing the risk of accidents. For this reason, the employer must

provide an adequate supply of potable water placed in locations readily accessible to

workers. The water should be provided in sufficient amounts to meet the needs of all

workers at the worksite, taking into account the air temperature, humidity and the nature of

the work performed. For physical work in hot climates, one litre or more per hour per

worker may be required (see section 17.2.4 on heat stress).

18.1.2. Mobile drinking water dispensers should be designed, constructed and

maintained to ensure sanitary conditions. They should be kept closed. They should be

equipped with a tap. Open containers, such as tanks, barrels or pails from which water

should be dipped should not be used. Drinking cups and other utensils should be for

personal use.

18.1.3. The employer should provide potable water for drinking, personal hygiene,

cooking, washing of food, washing of cooking and eating utensils, the cleaning of food

preparation and eating areas and the washing of clothes, as appropriate.

18.1.4. The employer or supervisor should inform workers of the location of potable

water and allow each worker reasonable opportunities during the workday to make use of

it.

18.1.5. Outlets for non-potable water should be clearly marked to indicate that the

water is unsafe and should not be used for drinking, personal hygiene, cooking, washing of

food, washing of cooking and eating utensils, the cleaning of food preparation and eating

areas or the washing of clothes.

18.2. Toilets

18.2.1. Employers should provide toilets in accordance with national legislation.

They should be of sufficient number and be easily accessible in all worksites.

18.2.2. Employers should provide separate toilet facilities for each sex, which

afford suitable privacy. Toilet rooms should be built for single occupancy and should be

locked from the inside.

18.2.3. Employers should provide portable toilets at remote worksites, or

transportation immediately available to nearby facilities.

18.2.4. Employers should maintain toilet facilities in a clean and sanitary condition

and with a supply of sanitary paper. Toilet facilities should be well ventilated and lit.

18.2.5. Hand-washing facilities with an adequate supply of potable water, ideally

warm, soap, and single-use towels or air blowers should be conveniently located near the

toilets.