Union Applauds Recent Steps, Encourages More Sanitary Stations
VICTORIA – One of the tasks of the United Association Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 324 is to monitor a “clean up” the industry that employs over 1,000 unionized pipe trade workers on the island.
Jim Noon, Business Manager of United Association Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 324
The installation of handwashing stations on job sites during the COVID 19 pandemic – especially those that include hot water – has been warmly welcomed, notes Business Manager Jim Noon. He applauds WorkSafe BC’s insistence on the stations to help keep these essential workers safe on the job.
“Our members are quite pleased to see this change,” says Noon. “They feel more comfortable being able to wash their hands, and with hand sanitizer, it’s a much more thorough way of washing their hands. That’s definitely a big plus.”
Mick Smith, owner of Victoria-based Oceanview Mechanical, adds “We have put handwashing stations wherever required, and we put hot water with them. We knew if we provided warm water, the workers will wash their hands, especially if it’s colder. I think the key is having hot water, as nobody wants to wash their hands in ice-cold water.”
Another desired adjustment could ensure that hand wash stations are located beside port-a-potties, as opposed to being on the opposite end of the job site.
“If the wash stations are right there, people can immediately wash their hands,” Noon notes.
While Noon hands out accolades for companies providing hand wash stations and ensuring they are stocked up, he also sees an urgent need for flush toilets on medium/large-sized job sites. Port-a-potties are adequate for small residential construction jobs with only a handful of workers.
“But when we are building schools, hospitals, commercial buildings and condominiums, port-a-potties are still being used, and we’d like to see that changed,” Noon states. “One concern that has arisen during the pandemic – and in the past – is the unsanitary conditions of some port-a-potties.
Handwashing sink at a construction site
“Issues include that they are not being cleaned frequently enough, there is no interior lighting, and no heat, and in the winter, the weather affects the temperatures inside,” he observes. “A lot of our members are opposed to using them because they’re not being cleaned enough, so it can be a health concern. Some workers would rather hold out all day and not use the facility rather than using them, and that’s very unhealthy.”
Noon would like to see regulations change to mandate flush toilets on larger projects.
Some companies provide washroom trailers, complete with flush toilets, sinks and handwashing stations inside, heated and protected from the elements.
“We believe facility that has porcelain flush toilets with light and heat can be cleaned a lot easier, and it’s more sanitary than plastic port-a-potties,” he notes. “A push for flush toilets is something we need to consider on our projects. That would help keeping the workers safe.”
