The pandemic has been a stark reminder of the importance of good welfare facilities for staff working in healthcare. From lockers to store clothes, facilities to change out of uniforms, and rest rooms, they are all key elements that contribute to the wellbeing and safety of staff and the prevention and control of infections.
Far from a nice to have, there are specific legal requirements on organisations to have suitable and sufficient physical welfare facilities for staff under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992/Workplace (Health Safety and Welfare) Regulations (NI) 1993.
This guidance can be used by branches and health and safety representatives to push for improved facilities and organisational compliance with the legal minimum requirements.