CHANGING ROOMS

Changing rooms are more like employees' second dressing rooms away from home hence they should be kept in a clean and organised manner. Employers should not overlook the importance of their employees' facilities, as this could come with a lot of consequences.

Employees are entitled to having lockers to store their personal clothing at work. It is the employers' duty to provide employees with lockers that are safe and are in a good condition. This would ensure the security of their belongings.

It is a requirement of the Health and Safety Act that in some industries, employees should be provided with 2 lockers each, for example in the chemical industry. A risk assessment should establish if employers in such industries are compliant with the law. An inspector should also inspect the situation of these lockers as they are not supposed to be in the vicinity of each other. This is meant to reduce the transmission of dust particles and chemicals from work suits to personal clothing. Carrying dust particles out of a work could contribute to a health hazard for other people as well.

It is essential that employers provide their employees with clean and properly working showers, where necessary. Employees are required to shower before handling their personal clothing. This could increase health safety if those around them do not work with chemicals. The water supplies should be sufficient and clean and proper soap should be used for bathing so as to kill germs.

Dirt and greasy shower room walls could cause a spread of skin diseases and germs by contact. Employers should ensure that walls are disinfected on a regular basis.

Employers should make it a habit to invite a plumber to their premises to regularly check their plumbing system. Improper plumbing could result in bursts that could pose a health hazard.

Employees ought to have clean, safe and proper places to store their food items. A risk assessment should establish if employers have provided such places for employees and they should rule out the storage of food in lockers where clothing is also stored. It is a health hazard to mix clothing and food as food could go stale and or get contaminated hence, pose a risk of food poisoning. Employers could fall sick and be forced to take time away from working, affecting a company's productivity.

Employees are entitled to adequate seats in the changing room which in some areas it could be deemed safe to be a dining room as well. An assessment should ensure that the seats are in a good condition to avoid a falling hazard for employees which could result in injuries. Once again, an eating environment should be kept clean and spotless to reduce risks of diseases spreading.

It is of utmost importance that inspectors assess workplaces on regular basis and suggest solutions and share knowledge with employers about steps to take to ensure a healthy and safe working environment. Dirty changing rooms could contribute to germs accumulating in employees clothing contributing to skin related infections.

Employers should invest their energy in securing the safety and health of their employees and enjoy the benefits that come with increased productivity.