CHOOSING THE RIGHT SITE WELFARE FACILITIES FOR REMOTE PROJECTS

When your construction project takes place in a remote location, the need for dependable welfare provision becomes even more pressing. It’s not just a matter of convenience - it's a legal requirement and a critical factor in protecting worker safety, morale and long-term site performance.

The right site facilities, like accessible toilets, washing facilities, dedicated changing rooms and proper sleeping areas, will make a direct impact on the health, comfort and productivity of your workforce. If you're working without connection to mains services, your setup needs to be reliable, self-sufficient and compliant from day one.

MEETING YOUR LEGAL REQUIREMENT UNDER CDM REGULATIONS

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 - commonly known as CDM regulations - set the legal framework for health, safety and welfare on UK construction sites.

Under these rules:

• Welfare facilities must be available from day one.
• The principal contractor is responsible for providing them.
• They must be sufficient in number for the workforce on site.
• Facilities must be kept clean, well-lit, ventilated and stocked.
• Separate facilities must be provided for men and women, or systems must be in place to enable privacy.

This is not a matter of preference - it is a legal requirement, and applies whether you’re working in a city centre or on a remote hillside.

WHAT NEEDS TO BE INCLUDED?

Every construction site must provide adequate welfare facilities under health and safety legislation - including toilets, hot and cold running water, places to wash, eat and rest and changing areas if special clothing is required.

The key facilities to account for are:

• Toilet facilities: complete with toilet paper, sufficient lighting and hygienic waste disposal.
• Washing facilities: including hot and cold water, soap and drying materials, placed near toilet areas and changing rooms.
• Rest and dining rooms: equipped with seating, tables, heating systems and space to prepare or store food.
• Drinking water: clearly marked, safe to consume and easily accessible.
• Changing and sleeping facilities: private, well-ventilated areas with comfortable beds, and storage space for clothing and personal belongings.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

When working remotely, you can’t rely on nearby buildings or existing facilities. Mobile welfare units allow you to bring everything with you but the setup must still meet all health and safety expectations.

Look for units with:

• A built-in water supply (or space for one).
• Self-contained drainage tanks.
• On-board heating and ventilation.
• Energy-saving features to reduce fuel usage.
• Clear access for restocking or emptying.

Your setup needs to remain functional and comfortable in harsh weather conditions and over extended periods. At Bunkabin, all our units are energy efficient and can be easily and quickly installed. If an HGV can access your site, we can deliver and install your units in a matter of hours.

PRIVACY, COMFORT AND STORAGE

If workers are required to wear special clothing, then proper changing rooms must be provided. This means:

• Separate rooms or time-based access arrangements for men and women.
• Lockers to store personal clothing and equipment securely.
• Heating systems and drying rails for wet-weather gear.
• Ventilation and lighting for comfort and usability.

These rooms help prevent contamination from hazardous substances, reduce lost time and protect clothing from damage.

DRINKING WATER: ACCESS AND IDENTIFICATION

The law requires a wholesome supply of drinking water, clearly labelled and accessible. That might mean a tap connected to a tank or a direct-jet outlet with clean cups nearby. Water points must:

• Be easy to access from rest areas.
• Be kept clean and regularly maintained.
• Be clearly signposted as safe for drinking.

Remote sites without mains supply will need a mobile unit with water tanks refilled on a maintenance schedule.

PROVIDE WELFARE FACILITIES THAT SUPPORT WORKER WELL-BEING

Beyond compliance, good welfare facilities are key to creating a productive work environment. Warm, clean and comfortable restrooms help staff recover between shifts. Well-lit, ventilated and stocked mess areas encourage proper meals and hydration. All of this improves focus, reduces illness and supports retention.

On long-term projects, where workers spend weeks or months away from home, this can make a measurable difference to job satisfaction and performance.

MOBILE WELFARE UNITS OFFER A PRACTICAL SOLUTION FOR TEMPORARY SITES

For many remote or mobile teams, mobile welfare units are the most efficient way to meet obligations. These include:

• Combined toilet and wash units.
• Sleeper cabins with built-in welfare provision.
• Portable canteen areas.

At Bunkabin, our units can be easily installed at any location on your site with road access. If your project will progress over multiple sites, these modular units can then be collected and moved when required.

HEALTH AND SAFETY ON SITE

Neglecting welfare provision increases the risk of:

• Poor hygiene and related illness.
• Fatigue-related accidents.
• Contamination from hazardous materials.
• Low morale and reduced productivity.

Well-maintained welfare units contribute to a safer, more efficient site. They should be cleaned, checked and restocked regularly - just like any other critical piece of site infrastructure.

PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND BEST PRACTICE

If you're acting as the principal contractor, you're legally responsible for delivering and maintaining adequate welfare facilities. That includes:

• Assessing needs before work starts.
• Ensuring delivery, setup and servicing is in place.
• Responding to team feedback and adapting where needed.

For remote sites, that often means working with a trusted welfare provider who can supply, install and support a full range of mobile welfare solutions.

PLANNING YOUR NEXT PROJECT? BUNKABIN CAN HELP

We work with many contractors to hire out mobile units for projects of all shapes and sizes. Our welfare cabins are designed with worker comfort and legal compliance in mind - complete with accessible toilets, hot and cold water, heating, lighting and lockable changing areas. With reliable transport, clear delivery schedules and easy hire, we make it simple to stay compliant and comfortable - even in remote conditions.

Explore our mobile welfare solutions, check our transport and delivery service, or get in touch to talk through your next project requirements.