Why the state of our facilities matters
Welfare facilities - canteens, toilets, drying rooms and lockers are the only places on site where we can step away from the work, rest and reset.
Poor hygiene and a lack of respect in communal areas are major risks to site morale and health. A dirty canteen, a disgusting toilet, or a noisy break room creates a hostile environment. We spend a large portion of our lives on site; everyone deserves a clean, calm place to eat their lunch and use the facilities.
Responsibilities in shared spaces
It comes down to two main things: Hygiene and consideration for others.
1. Hygiene & Cleanliness
Toilets: This is the biggest complaint on most sites - If you use the toilet, check and clean it before you leave.
Hand Washing: Always wash your hands - construction sites carry grease, chemicals and bacteria - don't bring that into the canteen.
The Canteen: Clean up your own mess - put wrappers and food waste in the correct bins immediately to stop vermin from getting onto the site.
Muddy Boots: Respect the "clean zones" - remove muddy boots or use boot cleaners before entering the canteen or drying rooms.
2. Noise & Atmosphere (Canteen Etiquette)
Phone Volume: Not everyone wants to hear your conversation, TikToks, or music. If you are watching videos or listening to music, use headphones.
Banter: Keep it respectful. The canteen is a break area for everyone; aggressive shouting or offensive language prevents others from relaxing.
3. Changing & Drying Rooms
Drying: Hang wet gear up properly so it dries for the next shift. Do not throw wet clothes on benches or heaters.
Storage: Keep bags and personal items in lockers or designated areas, not blocking walkways or seating.
Why this matters to you
Health & Disease: Dirty toilets and tables spread illness quickly (e.g., Norovirus, cold/flu). If one person gets sick because of poor hygiene, the whole team can go down.
Vermin Infestation: Leftover food and overflowing bins attract rats and mice, which chew through cables and spread Weill’s disease.
Low Morale & Fatigue: If you can’t relax on your break because of noise or mess, you go back to work tired and irritable. This leads to lapses in concentration and accidents out on site.
Contact information for further info:
Charlie Woodbridge, +44 7857 086702, charlie@injoinery.com