The Hand Hygiene at Work project, led by Dr Sophie Rutter from the Information School alongside Dr Lauren White from the Sheffield Methods Institute, is looking at this issue and what can be done to address it.
There has been a recognised decline in provision of publicly accessible toilets. The project found that this particularly affects workers who are on the move. Seeking out access to toilets often costs workers valuable time as well as money, when factoring in things like extra petrol costs for travelling out of their route to find these facilities. This disproportionately affects those who might urgently need to access facilities such as those who are menstruating or have a health condition or a disability.
Having to ask permission to use the facilities in private homes, hospitality settings or office spaces can be challenging for everyone involved.
Access to toilet facilities is important for dignity, comfort and health. It can help reduce occurrences of health issues related to either not drinking enough (to avoid needing the toilet later) or ignoring your body’s urges. This, in turn, reduces pressure on health services.
Hand hygiene is also an important aspect of health. Many on-the-move workers use hand sanitiser as a makeshift solution but soap simply does the job better. Giving mobile workers easier access to toilet facilities would also help.
Possible solutions being explored include updating legislation, building more toilet facilities, offering guidance, providing resources and equipment, and considering who has the responsibility to provide access.
The research team recently presented their work at Pint of Science at the Sheffield Tap pub.
“Access to hygiene facilities is essential for the health of mobile workers”, says Dr Rutter. “However, the challenges faced by mobile workers trying to access facilities is little discussed.
“It is important that we draw attention to these challenges through events like the Pint of Science”
For updates on the project follow @hygieneatwork on Twitter
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