THE DEPARTMENT for Transport and the Health & Safety Executive have reminded businesses which make or receive deliveries that lorry drivers must have access to toilets and hand washing facilities to support their health and wellbeing whilst working.
A letter from Transport Minister for Roads and Security Baroness Vere makes it clear that preventing access is against the law, pointing to Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.
Operators are advised to provide their drivers with a copy of the letter, so that it can be shown as confirmation of the regulations should the need arise.
Baroness Vere said that making facilities available to drivers is ‘especially important during the current COVID-19 crisis and fears over virus transmission should not be used as an excuse to deny someone their right to access facilities.’
Regulations 20 and 21 state that suitable and sufficient sanitary conveniences and washing facilities shall be provided at readily accessible places and that hot and cold running water and soap must be available to use.
The responsibility in law to provide access rests with the person in control of the premises.
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