Drinking water at work?

Question

I work in the security industry which involves monitoring cctv cameras and because of the amount of screens involved produce a lot of heat.
Upto a few weks back we were allowed access to a small kitchen two doors down, But now managementhave decided to lock the kitchen there are no other facitilities to get water for drinking in the building.
Do I have any rights?.

Answer 1

You have the right to quit your job.

I doubt if they would mind if you brought some water with you though.

Answer 2

Check the HSE legislation to make sure but I am certain employers have to provide adequate toilet and sanitation, including potable (drinkable) water supplies.

If there are no toilet facilities in your building, or you have no access to them you have the right to complain to the HSE and/or Environmental Health.

I would recommend writing a formal letter to the management asking for the kitchen facility to be reopened on the grounds of Health and Safety and point out that there are no drinking water facilities in the building without this kitchen area. They will have to respond to you within a reasonable time frame and if they don't you can take it further to the local HSE Office.

Keep calm and work with management to solve the problem rather than threatening action as I've found calm taking fixes problems a lot quicker and results in less stress.

Answer 3

Actually you don't.

You have the right to a couple of 15 minutes breaks and a lunch break ~ but they are under no legal obligation to provide you with a kitchen.

Buy yourself one of those gallon Coleman thermoses and bring water from home.

Edit for add'tl information & links:

I used to be a business owner, and I had a vague recollection that employee rights in the US were pretty limited. This paragraph comes directly from the website of managementhelp.org with the link provided below.

"Are there any laws that protect employees' rights?

There are federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination against
individuals on the bases of race, religion, sex, national origin, age
and disability. However, these laws require only that employees be
treated equally. Employers are, therefore, free to do whatever they
wish to their employees as long as they do so in a non-discriminatory
manner."

Answer 4

Regulation 22 places requirements on the employer with respect to the provision of drinking water.

It states:

An adequate supply of wholesome drinking water shall be provided for all persons at work in the workplace.
Every supply of drinking water required by paragraph (1) shall -
(a) be readily accessible at suitable places; and
(b) be conspicuously marked by an appropriate sign where necessary for reasons of health or safety.
Where a supply of drinking water is required by paragraph (1), there shall also be provided a sufficient number of suitable cups or other drinking vessels unless the supply of drinking water is in a jet from which persons can drink easily.
The approved code of practice states:
Drinking water should normally be obtained from a public or private water supply by means of a tap on a pipe connected directly to the water main. Alternatively, drinking water may be derived from a tap on a pipe connected directly to a storage cistern which complies with the requirements of the UK Water Bye-laws. In particular, any cistern, tank or vessel used as a supply should be well covered, kept clean and tested and disinfected as necessary. Water should only be provided in refillable containers where it cannot be obtained directly from a mains supply. Such containers should be suitably enclosed to prevent contamination and should be refilled at least daily.

Answer 5

Yes you have the right to clean drinking water,warm water for washing, toilet facilities and a 20min break from your duties after 6hrs the big but is will your security company challenge the client on your behalf I think not

Answer 6

Sure do, they must provide you with access to drinking water and toilet facilities as a basic human right. By denying this right you would be able to take this up with a solicitor.

Answer 7

ofcourse you have a right....you are a human being and the least the industry can provide to its employees is a glass of water when needed...out of the many answers you have recieved many state that you must carry a bottle of water to work,,,but many a times it is not possible for one to do so.there are a number of industries that look into providing water facilities to its employees during the work hours,,,,some even provide tea.
according to the recent studies it is very important for the company head to look into the needs of his employees if he desires maximum efficiency......and i feel you must share this with your co-workers and bring it to the notice of your boss.
its high time you exercise your human rights.....and if you must do it ,do it now........good luck
and yes.......avoid staying thirsty..it can harm you greatly in the long run...if you can then plz do carry water...if thats difficult rehydrate yourself during breaks by buying a bottle.

Answer 8

yes u have human rights. I know u arent allowed to work somewhere if there is no water, but u do have water but u dont really cause u cant get to it. U need water. go speak to someone

Answer 9

According to the law...no! You must have access to toilet facilities but there is no law which says you must have access tyo drinking water. Take your own in.

Answer 10

I don't know where you are, but I would bet local laws require employers to make water and bathroom facilities available if not constantly, frequently.