The long-standing demand for improved toilet facilities at construction sites is finally coming true. Starting October 1, 2024, construction sites with 25 or more workers in British Columbia (BC) will be required to install flush toilets and hand-washing facilities.
Toilets must be connected to a sewer system or tank and flushable, and hand-washing facilities must be equipped with water and soap. BC Building Trades, which represents 45,000 construction workers in the province, has condemned the porta-potties, portable toilets commonly used on construction sites, as unclean and degrading to the dignity of workers, and has been campaigning since October last year to make flush toilets mandatory.
At the same time, Premier David Eby vowed to tackle the issue. Minister of Labour Harry Bains said in a September 5 announcement about the move that “portable toilets are unpleasant, but more than that, this is a health and safety issue for construction workers. ” He also said that improving toilet conditions would help promote employment in the construction industry, including for women, and prevent them from quitting.
According to Statistics Canada, 245,000 people work in the construction industry in British Columbia.