Flush toilets to be mandatory on B.C. construction sites starting in October

Unsanitary port-a-potties will soon be a thing of the past at most construction sites in B.C.

As of Oct. 1, new government regulations will require flush toilets to be on large construction sites across the province.

“One of the worst parts of going to work is facing the nasty conditions inside of construction-site port-a-potties,” said Build TogetHER BC board member Tiffany Madden.

“These new rules mean myself and my colleagues will be treated with the basic dignity of having flushing toilets with running water, something workers in most other industries take for granted. This is a game-changer for the construction industry and could even attract more women into the trades.”

Starting next month, all toilets on construction sites with more than 25 employees will need to be connected to a sewer system or holding tank. They will need to be flushable with clean water or a mix of clean water and chemicals.

As well, hand-washing facilities with soap and water — or other methods of hand-cleaning — will need to be available, and bathooms must be well maintained, clean, and ventilated. They must also provide privacy.

The provincial government says WorkSafeBC will work with construction companies over the next few months to make sure they are aware of the new rules and understand what needs to be done.

The initiative was originally announced last fall after years of advocacy by the BC Building and Construction Trades Council.