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Ensuring Comfort & Convenience at Summer Jobsites with Mobile Restrooms

Posted by The Texas Loo Content Team on 3 May, 2024

For many Americans, especially teens, summer jobs are a rite of passage, and many of these summer jobsites do not have all the amenities of your typical 9-to-5 office job.

Summer jobsites are temporary work locations that operate during the warmer months, often in construction, agriculture, or event-related industries. These sites may include outdoor festivals, seasonal construction projects, or agricultural operations that require a significant workforce.

Due to their temporary nature and often remote locations, providing adequate facilities for workers is crucial.

“Toilet facilities must be available at every worksite, with mobile worksites being the exception. Employees in mobile work crews must have transportation readily available to toilet facilities “nearby,” however, and agricultural workers must have toilet and hand-washing facilities within a quarter-mile of the work site,” says the SHRM article on “Bathroom Business: OSHA’s Restroom Rules.”

This is where mobile restrooms come into play, offering a convenient and hygienic solution for the comfort and well-being of employees.

The Importance of Mobile Restrooms at Summer Jobsites

Providing mobile restrooms at summer job sites is essential for several reasons:

  • Health and Hygiene: Access to clean and well-maintained restroom facilities is crucial for maintaining the health and hygiene of workers. In the absence of proper restrooms, workers may resort to unsanitary practices, leading to the spread of illnesses and diseases.

  • Productivity: When workers have access to convenient restroom facilities, they can focus on their tasks without the need for lengthy breaks or trips to find suitable facilities. This leads to increased productivity and efficiency on the jobsite.

  • Compliance with Regulations: Many states and local authorities have regulations that require employers to provide adequate restroom facilities for their workers. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in fines and legal consequences.

  • Employee Satisfaction: Providing clean and accessible restrooms demonstrates a company's commitment to the well-being of its employees. This can boost morale and job satisfaction, leading to a more positive work environment.

OSHA Restroom Break Laws Apply to Summer Jobsites

Remember, that the “OSHA Restroom Break Laws: still apply to summer job sites.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to provide all workers with access to a clean restroom. Additional requirements related to restroom facilities and bathroom break policies are outlined in OSHA's sanitation standards (29 CFR 1910.141, 29 CFR 1926.51, and 29 CFR 1928.110).

“These standards aim to protect workers from health complications that can occur when a bathroom is not readily available, such as bladder problems, bowel issues, and urinary tract infections,” says the OSHA Education Center. “While OSHA sanitation standards offer a basic overview of the key requirements employers must meet, the administration does not recommend any specific restroom policies. Employers should create their own written policies that comply with OSHA's standards.”

Under OSHA sanitation standards, according to the OSHA Education Center, employers must:

  • Permit workers to leave their work area to use the restroom as needed.
  • Provide an acceptable number of restrooms for the current workforce.
  • Avoid putting unreasonable restrictions on bathroom use.
  • Ensure that restrictions on restroom use do not cause extended delays.

Options for Mobile Restrooms at Summer Jobsites

There are several options available for companies looking to provide mobile restrooms at their summer jobsites:

  • Portable Toilets: These are the most basic and cost-effective option, consisting of single-unit toilets that are easily transportable and can be placed at various locations on the jobsite.

  • Restroom Trailers: For a more upscale solution, restroom trailers offer amenities such as running water, flushing toilets, and air conditioning. These trailers are ideal for larger jobsites or events that require a higher level of comfort and convenience.

  • ADA-Compliant Restrooms: It is important to consider accessibility when providing mobile restrooms. ADA-compliant restrooms ensure that all workers, including those with disabilities, have access to suitable facilities.

Best Practices for Setting Up Summer Jobsite Mobile Restrooms

To ensure the successful implementation of mobile restrooms at summer jobsites, consider the following best practices:

  • Adequate Number of Units: Provide an appropriate number of restroom units based on the size of your workforce and the duration of the project. A general rule of thumb is to have one unit for every 15 workers.

OSHA minimums:

  • 2 toilets for 16 to 35 employees.
  • 3 toilets for 36 to 55 employees.
  • 4 toilets for 56 to 80 employees.
  • 5 toilets for 81 to 110 employees.
  • 6 toilets for 111 to 150 employees.
  • 1 additional toilet for every 40 employees over 150.

  • Proper Hand Washing: In addition to a minimum number of units, proper hand washing facilities should be provided and maintained in a sanitary condition. All mobile restrooms should have running water, soap, and hand towels or air dryers available.

  • Regular Maintenance: Ensure that the restrooms are regularly cleaned, restocked, and maintained to keep them hygienic and functional throughout the project.

  • Strategic Placement: Place the restrooms in easily accessible locations, considering factors such as proximity to work areas, safety, and privacy.

  • Waste Management: Implement a proper waste management plan for the disposal of waste generated from the restrooms, ensuring that it is handled in an environmentally friendly and compliant manner.

  • Proper Signage: Use clear signage to direct workers to the restroom facilities, making them easy to locate.

  • Education and Communication: Inform your workers about the availability and location of the restrooms, as well as any guidelines for their use and maintenance.

When it comes to providing top-quality mobile restroom solutions for summer jobsites, The Texas Loo is the go-to provider as our commitment to cleanliness, reliability, and exceptional customer service sets us apart in the industry.

With our extensive fleet of restroom trailers, The Texas Loo offers a range of options to suit the needs of any jobsite.

Don't let the lack of proper restroom facilities hinder your summer jobsite's success.

Contact The Texas Loo today to discuss your mobile restroom needs and ensure that your workers have access to the comfort and convenience they deserve.

Tags: Long Term Rentals, OSHA