Members are reminded that workplace facilities, including toilets and access to hygienic facilities for the disposal of sanitary items, must meet the needs of all workers and others accessing the workplace.
All workers have the right to access clean, safe and accessible workplace facilities that allow them to carry out their work safely and with dignity.
Persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) must ensure that workplace facilities meet the needs of all workers and others who require access. WorkSafe ACT inspectors have identified instances where workplace facilities, particularly on construction sites, are inadequate for workers who menstruate.
Under work health and safety laws, PCBUs must provide adequate workplace facilities, including toilets and washing facilities, that are clean, safe, maintained and accessible. This includes appropriate consideration being given to the people using the facilities to ensure they are suitable.
The Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice sets out requirements for PCBUs to ensure workplace facilities are suitable for workers’ needs, and maintained in a clean, safe and accessible condition. Amenities for managing menstruation, including privacy, washing facilities and hygienic disposal options should be provided.
The Code of Practice is currently being revised in light of national changes that provide additional guidance on where the provision of period and other sanitary products in workplaces may be reasonably practicable for PCBUs. This includes in situations where access to personal period or sanitary products may be limited, where work may take place in remote locations or during long or irregular work hours. The updated Code of Practice will be published later this year, and its commencement date will be communicated when available.
When considering the needs of workers who menstruate, workplaces should provide:
