LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSTRUCTION SITE WELFARE FACILITIES

Legal obligations around welfare provision apply to every construction project in the UK, no matter the size or scope. Before any work begins, contractors must provide facilities that protect worker wellbeing, reduce risk and support a productive site. These facilities are not a box-ticking exercise - they have a direct impact on health, morale, safety and the quality of the finished work.

In this blog, we outline the core legal requirements for construction site welfare facilities, and how contractors and site managers can meet them with minimal disruption.

REQUIREMENTS FOR FACILITIES ON CONSTRUCTION SITES

Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM), contractors must provide suitable and sufficient welfare facilities for workers on all construction sites. Facilities must be tailored to the scale and nature of the work, the physical environment and the number of workers on site at any given time.

Welfare facilities must include:

Toilets and washing facilities: these must be in sufficient number, easily accessible and located close to work areas. They must be kept clean, adequately lit and ventilated and separated by gender where appropriate. Handwashing stations must offer hot and cold (or warm) running water, soap and a hygienic method of hand drying.
Drinking water: a readily accessible supply of potable drinking water must be provided on site. It must be clearly marked and available with suitable cups or a drinking fountain.
Changing rooms and secure storage: if workers need to wear specialist or protective clothing, private changing areas must be provided. These must include seating, facilities to dry damp clothing and secure lockers for storing personal belongings.
Rest areas and canteen facilities: workers must be able to rest and prepare food in a warm, sheltered environment. Facilities must include seating with backs, tables, heating, access to hot water for drinks and food preparation areas.

All welfare facilities must be maintained in a clean, orderly and fully operational condition for the duration of the project. Facilities must be regularly checked and replenished to remain compliant.

WELFARE FACILITIES ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL CONSTRUCTION SITES

CDM requirements apply to all construction sites, be they major developments or small-scale jobs. Basic welfare provision is required from day one and throughout the life of the project.

Facilities should be located within the immediate vicinity of the work area, shielded from external hazards such as heavy plant movement, falling debris or weather exposure. They must be kept accessible at all times and be appropriate for the number of people on site, with suitable arrangements in place for any workers who have additional access needs. If you’re operating day and night shifts, separate or increased facilities may be required to accommodate changing occupancy levels.

PRINCIPAL CONTRACTORS MUST ENSURE COMPLIANCE

In the construction industry, responsibility for compliance sits squarely with the principal contractor. Under CDM regulations, they have a legal duty to:

Assess welfare needs based on the workforce and site conditions.
Include welfare provision in the pre-construction plan.
Provide facilities from day one and maintain them throughout.
Inspect and service units regularly.
Confirm that any existing welfare facilities are sufficient. If not, additional facilities must be provided.

Even if a third-party supplier installs the facilities, the legal accountability remains with the principal contractor. This includes making sure access, servicing and sanitation standards are met at all times.

COMPLIANCE WITH HEALTH AND SAFETY

Providing inadequate or insufficient welfare facilities breaches health and safety law. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has the authority to inspect the welfare facilities on construction sites and can issue improvement or prohibition notices if things are found to fall short of legal requirements. Penalties may include fines, prosecution and site closures.

HSE inspectors typically look for:

Evidence that welfare facilities were planned into the pre-construction phase.
Facilities that are fully operational before construction begins.
Records of cleaning and maintenance schedules.
Welfare units that are appropriate to the project’s scale and complexity.
Design features that minimise exposure to weather or harmful substances.

Beyond legal compliance, welfare facilities improve site culture, help retain workers and reduce fatigue and accidents. Workers who feel valued and cared for are more likely to stay productive, report risks and maintain high standards of workmanship.

CONSTRUCTION SITE WELFARE FACILITIES MADE SIMPLE

Portable welfare units provide a practical and efficient way to meet welfare regulations, particularly on temporary or mobile sites. At Bunkabin, our portable cabins come fully equipped with features that support compliance:

Built-in water supplies and drainage tanks.
Fully plumbed toilets and handwashing stations.
Heated rest areas with seating, tables and kitchen facilities.
Energy-saving features that reduce running costs.

Our diners, toilets, shower blocks and sleeping cabins are designed to withstand tough site conditions while delivering the comfort and reliability workers need. They’re quick to install, easy to relocate and suitable for use on sites of all sizes.

Whether you need a single welfare unit for a short project or a full suite of facilities for a long-term scheme, Bunkabin will help you deliver safe, compliant, and comfortable spaces for your team. Call us on 0345 456 7899 or visit our contact page to get started.