New requirements regarding jobsite washroom standards are due to come into effect across Ontario on July 1.
The amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990 focus on improving hygiene, sanitation and overall working conditions and are being implemented as part of the provincial government’s Bill 190 (Working for Workers Five Act, 2024).
Sections of the Act will be amended placing new requirements on constructors and employers to ensure washroom facilities are maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. Constructors and employers will now also be required to keep and maintain records of cleaning schedules that must be made available to workers. Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development inspectors will conduct regular inspections of facilities, and non-compliance can result in penalties.
Local 793’s Health and Safety department is optimistic constructors and employers will comply with the new requirements but, as the eyes and ears of the Union, members are urged to bring any concerns they may have over jobsite washroom facilities to their business rep or to Director of Health and Safety Brian Alexander.
You have a right to safe and sanitary washrooms while at work.
The amendments coming into force on July 1 are:
Definition
A “washroom facility” will now be defined as a washroom, toilet facility, clean-up facility, urinal, shower or other similar facility, but does not include an eye wash station or emergency shower; (“salle de toilette”). 2024, c. 19, Sched. 4, s. 1 (4).
Washroom Facilities
23.1 (1) A constructor shall ensure, on a project, that the washroom facilities, if any, that are provided by the constructor for the use of workers are maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. 2024, c. 19, Sched. 4, s. 5.
Records
(2) The constructor shall keep, maintain and make available records of the cleaning of washroom facilities as prescribed. 2024, c. 19, Sched. 4, s. 5.
Regulations
(3) The regulations may modify or supplement this section and may establish new or modified requirements with respect to washroom facilities. 2024, c. 19, Sched. 4, s. 5.
Washroom facilities
25.3 (1) An employer shall ensure that the washroom facilities, if any, that are provided by the employer for the use of workers are maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. 2024, c. 19, Sched. 4, s. 7.
Same, Exception
(2) For greater certainty, subsection (1) does not apply if the washroom facilities are provided by a constructor on a project and subsection 23.1 (1) applies instead with respect to those facilities. 2024, c. 19, Sched. 4, s. 7.
Records
(3) The employer shall keep, maintain and make available records of the cleaning of washroom facilities as prescribed. 2024, c. 19, Sched. 4, s. 7.
Regulations
(4) The regulations may modify or supplement this section and may establish new or modified requirements with respect to washroom facilities. 2024, c. 19, Sched. 4, s. 7.