Welcome Guest! The IOSH forums are a free resource to both members and non-members. Login or register to use them

Postings made by forum users are personal opinions. IOSH is not responsible for the content or accuracy of any of the information contained in forum postings. Please carefully consider any advice you receive.

Notification

Icon
Error

Options
Go to last post Go to first unread
mdk123  
#1 Posted : 12 December 2016 15:10:14(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
mdk123

There has been a burst water main at our office this morning which has resulted in no running water all day. There are contractors currently working to fix it.

We have provided bottled water and anti bacterial hand wash gels to everyone here and there are toilets in a supermarket and hotel across the road.

We have suggested that those that are able to work from home should do so. However, it's not possible for everyone to work at home and some have chosen to stay to continue working,

In this situation, what is our legal stance? Should we close the office until the water supply is restored, or is it ok to allow people to reman on site if that is what they have chosen to do?

Invictus  
#2 Posted : 12 December 2016 15:13:18(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Invictus

As it is temporary then there is no problem and good on the employees staying, I think you are providing all you can. Depending on how long it lasts as temporary is what you need to consider and what opitions are then open to you.

dylan101  
#3 Posted : 13 December 2016 04:47:16(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
dylan101

It depends on hoe svere the situation is, 

chris.packham  
#4 Posted : 13 December 2016 08:27:28(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
chris.packham

Forget the anti-bacterial hand wash gels. The evidence is simply that in practice they provide little or no benefit and may actually increase the possibility of the skin becoming colonised by transient micro-organisms. If water is an issue, then unless the skin is visibly soiled a properly formulated alcohol sanisiting rub is actually more effective and less damaging to the skin. If the skin is visibly soiled then a mild, unmedicated, skin cleanser should be used.

If you need more detailed information on this PM me with your e-mail address and I will send you a more detailed explanation.

Chris

safetyamateur  
#5 Posted : 13 December 2016 13:36:25(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
safetyamateur

Just wondering how this one ended up.

Remember similar thing years ago. The toilets quickly became unuseable as there wasn't water to flush them. 

Bazzer  
#6 Posted : 15 December 2016 14:07:15(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Bazzer

If it goes on for several days, you could provide a self-contained welfare unit, which can have its own water supplied by a tank for hand washing etc. completer with toilets hand basins etc

Users browsing this topic
Guest
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.