Workplace Hygiene and Welfare – What Is Required?

February 14th, 2025

Last updated: February 14th, 2025

A clean and well-maintained workplace isn’t just about making a good impression. it’s a legal requirement under UK Government and HSE (Health and Safety Executive) guidelines. Employers have a duty to ensure workplace hygiene. This means providing safe and comfortable conditions for all staff, covering everything from toilets and drinking water to rest facilities and cleanliness standards.

Failing to meet hygiene and welfare requirements can lead to health risks and even legal consequences in some instances. Understanding what’s required ensures that workplaces remain safe, compliant, and comfortable for everyone.

Essential Hygiene Requirements in the Workplace

HSE regulations outline the minimum hygiene standards that all workplaces must follow and the minimum requirements for businesses.

Toilets and Handwashing Facilities

Every workplace must provide clean and accessible toilets for employees and there are certain regulations around the standards that need to be kept to ensure that the facilities are adequate. These should be:

• Well-ventilated and regularly cleaned to prevent the spread of bacteria.
• Equipped with toilet paper, soap, and either hand towels or dryers.
• Supplied with running hot and cold (or warm) water to allow for proper handwashing.

The number of toilets required depends on the size of the workforce, with larger workplaces needing more facilities to prevent overcrowding and long waits. With washroom services, workplaces can check that they are legally compliant with their responsibilities.

Drinking Water

It is a basic human right, and employers must ensure that fresh, clean drinking water is readily available to all employees. This means:

• Water must come from a safe source, such as mains supply or properly maintained water dispensers.
• It should be easily accessible, ideally located near work areas.
• Employers must provide suitable drinking vessels (unless the water supply is from a drinking fountain)

Cleaning and Water Hygiene

Maintaining good hygiene practices in the workplace requires regular cleaning routines and proper water safety management. It is an ongoing process, especially when it comes to keeping your workplace safe from risks like legionella.

General Cleaning Standards

Workplaces should have a regular cleaning schedule to ensure that surfaces, equipment, and shared spaces remain free from dirt, dust, and bacteria. This includes:

• Daily cleaning of toilets, kitchens, and eating areas.
• Disinfecting high-touch surfaces, such as door handles, keyboards, and shared equipment.
• Proper waste disposal, with bins emptied frequently to prevent odours and contamination.

Workplaces that handle food, medical supplies, or hazardous materials will need stricter cleaning protocols, in line with industry regulations. Periodic deep cleans such as vent cleaning and even fogging cleaning can also help people to meet their responsibilities.

Legionella and Water Safety

Water systems in workplaces must be properly maintained to prevent the risk of Legionella bacteria, which can cause serious illness. This includes:

• Regularly flushing unused taps and pipes to prevent stagnant water.
• Keeping hot water above 50°C and cold water below 20°C to reduce bacterial growth.
• Cleaning and maintaining water storage tanks and cooling systems.

Any workplace with showers or air conditioning units, or other stored water systems, must have a proper Legionella risk assessment to ensure water safety.

Rest Areas and Meal Facilities

HSE regulations state that workplaces must provide suitable spaces for employees to rest and eat meals. This ensures that food is kept separate from work areas, preventing contamination.

Break Areas and Dining Facilities

A proper rest area should be clean, comfortable, and separate from workspaces. Employers must:

• Provide seating and tables for employees to eat meals.
• Ensure that food preparation areas are hygienic, with sinks and waste disposal facilities.
• Keep eating spaces away from areas with hazardous materials to prevent contamination.

For workplaces where employees handle toxic substances, dust, or chemicals, there should be separate washing areas and facilities for cleaning before eating.

Changing, Showering, and Drying Facilities

Some jobs require protective clothing or exposure to dirt or hazardous substances. In these cases, changing rooms and showers may be necessary.

Changing and Storage Areas

Workplaces must provide adequate space for employees to change and store their personal clothing if required. This includes:

• Lockers or hanging space for clothes not worn during work.
• Separate changing rooms where specialist protective clothing is required.

For jobs that involve excessive dirt or hazardous materials, providing clean, separate storage areas for work and personal clothing is crucial to prevent cross-contamination.

Showers and Drying Facilities

Employers must offer showers if the work is particularly dirty or involves hazardous exposure. This is common in industries such as construction and manufacturing.

If employees work in wet conditions, businesses should also provide drying areas for clothing to prevent discomfort and health risks like cold-related illnesses or skin conditions.

Support for Pregnant Workers and Nursing Mothers

Employers must ensure that pregnant employees and new mothers have access to proper rest facilities. These should be:

• Located in a quiet, private space away from busy areas.
• Equipped with seating and, if necessary, a place to lie down.
• Close to toilets and washing facilities to ensure comfort.

Nursing mothers should also be provided with a private space where they can express and store breast milk safely. A well-equipped rest area helps ensure the health and well-being of both the employee and their child.

Help With Workplace Hygiene

If you are unsure of your responsibilities or are looking for some extra help with hygiene in the workplace, Robinsons Facilities Services can help.