Responsibility and facilities
Service buyers should ensure proper and reasonable rest areas in or near the workplace, either dedicated or shared. Providers must engage buyers about their workers’ needs. The advisory primarily covers manual outsourced work such as cleaning, security and landscaping. Facilities need not all sit in the rest room but must be readily accessible.
| Element | Good practice |
|---|---|
| Accessible, safe location | Avoid traffic, chemicals, fall hazards and a long or steep walk |
| Environment | Shelter, ventilation, lighting, cleanliness, limited noise and privacy |
| Capacity | Enough seats and tables for simultaneous users |
| Facilities | Safe storage, drinking water and power points, within or easily accessible |
| Space constraints | At minimum safe storage and drinking water |
Communication, upkeep and property planning
The ten recommendations also require consultation with workers and managing agents, clear communication of shared access, agreement on break frequency/duration and upkeep, and compliance with building/fire safety. Tenants or facilities managers may need to engage the owner. Owners should plan rest space in new buildings/renovations and consider common facilities for multiple tenants. A sign can clarify access, but does not replace a safe, suitable space.