The FTA, RHA and UNITE the Union have called on those using the services of freight transport sector workers such as drivers and warehouse operatives to ensure that they have access to toilets and washrooms to stop the spread of COVID-19.
FTA chief executive David Wells, RHA chief executive Richard Burnett and Adrian Jones, national officer at UNITE the Union said visiting logistics and transport workers should not be denied a right to comply with government advice to stop the spread of the disease.
In a joint statement, they said: “Government advice during this crisis is to wash hands thoroughly and often. Since 2017 delivery drivers have had the legal right to use toilets and washrooms in commercial premises yet we are still receiving reports that access to these facilities is denied.
“Logistics is delivering vital supplies across the economy, but drivers are being denied the ability to comply with the government’s primary advice to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
“On behalf of such a key industry, we demand that those relying on logistics to keep their businesses operating comply with the legal requirements laid down by public health authorities.
In 2017, the Health and Safety Executive re-examined the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, focusing on Regulations 20 and 21 which state that suitable and sufficient sanitary conveniences and washing facilities shall be provided at readily accessible places and that hot and cold water must be available to use.
Wells, Burnett, and Jones said: “Drivers are the backbone of the UK’s supply chain and must be protected at all costs. It is vital that all sectors of the economy recognise this and ensure hygiene facilities are available where and whenever they are needed. The health and wellbeing of the nation depends on it.”
