SSSTS Welfare Facilities Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Why is adequate rest facility provision important on a construction site?
- Workers need to be able to take proper rest breaks, eat food in a clean environment and dry wet clothing — this supports wellbeing, alertness and ultimately productivity and safety (Correct answer)
- Rest facilities are a luxury and not a legal requirement
- Rest facilities are only needed on sites with more than 50 workers
- Rest facilities are only required when workers are working more than 10 hours per day
Correct answer: Workers need to be able to take proper rest breaks, eat food in a clean environment and dry wet clothing — this supports wellbeing, alertness and ultimately productivity and safety
Rest facilities allow workers to take breaks away from the work environment, eat food in hygienic conditions and dry wet clothing. Adequate rest reduces fatigue, improves concentration and alertness, and contributes to safer working throughout the shift.
Question 2: What is the supervisor's responsibility regarding drinking water provision on site?
- Ensure an adequate supply of fresh drinking water is available to all workers at all times and that cups or other suitable vessels are provided (Correct answer)
- Workers are expected to bring their own water to site
- Drinking water is only required in hot weather
- A single standpipe is always sufficient regardless of site size
Correct answer: Ensure an adequate supply of fresh drinking water is available to all workers at all times and that cups or other suitable vessels are provided
CDM 2015 requires an adequate supply of drinking water and suitable drinking vessels. Supervisors must ensure the supply is maintained, the water source is clearly marked as drinking water, and it is readily accessible to all workers throughout the working day.
Question 3: What clothing storage and drying provision must be made for construction site workers?
- Accommodation for storing work and personal clothing separately, and facilities for drying wet work clothing (Correct answer)
- Workers must provide their own lockers
- Drying facilities are only required on sites where workers work outdoors
- Clothing storage is only required for female workers
Correct answer: Accommodation for storing work and personal clothing separately, and facilities for drying wet work clothing
CDM 2015 requires changing facilities where workers must change into work clothing, storage for personal clothing during the working day (separate from work clothing where necessary due to contamination risk), and facilities for drying wet work clothing.
Question 4: How should a supervisor respond if welfare facilities become deficient (e.g., a toilet is out of order) during the working day?
- Repair or replace the facility immediately, or arrange temporary provision, without waiting for a scheduled maintenance visit (Correct answer)
- Tell workers to use facilities off site
- Accept the deficiency if it only affects one facility
- Note it in the site diary and address it at the next monthly meeting
Correct answer: Repair or replace the facility immediately, or arrange temporary provision, without waiting for a scheduled maintenance visit
Welfare facility deficiencies must be addressed promptly. If a toilet is out of order and others cannot absorb the demand, temporary provision (e.g., a portable toilet unit) must be arranged immediately. Workers must not be left without adequate welfare provision.
Question 5: What does 'accessible' mean in the context of welfare facility provision on a construction site?
- Facilities must be located so that workers do not have to travel unreasonably far from their work area to use them, and must be accessible to disabled workers where applicable (Correct answer)
- Accessible means the door is not locked
- Accessible means workers have been told where the facilities are
- Accessible only applies during working hours
Correct answer: Facilities must be located so that workers do not have to travel unreasonably far from their work area to use them, and must be accessible to disabled workers where applicable
Accessibility means facilities must be reasonably located relative to the work areas so workers can use them without excessive travel time. On large or dispersed sites, multiple welfare units may be needed. Facilities must also be accessible to disabled workers.
Question 6: What is a welfare cabin and what facilities should it contain?
- A portable, temporary accommodation unit providing rest, washing, toilet, changing and food preparation facilities — required on sites without permanent welfare provisions (Correct answer)
- A storage unit for first aid equipment
- A site office for management use
- A secure storage unit for PPE
Correct answer: A portable, temporary accommodation unit providing rest, washing, toilet, changing and food preparation facilities — required on sites without permanent welfare provisions
A welfare cabin (or welfare unit) is a portable building used on sites where permanent facilities are not yet available. It should contain toilet and washing facilities, a rest/canteen area with tables and seating, means to heat food and boil water, a hand-washing sink, and clothing storage.
SSSTS Welfare Facilities Management 2
Why is adequate rest facility provision important on a construction site?