To refuse to work out of the office

[Jolinar]

Because it isn't fit for purpose?

3 female toilets, 3 male toilets and an accessible loo.

There are serious drain issues and all bar 1 female toilet and 1 male toilet are out of action. In the 2 working toilets, you have to flush twice before anything disappears and there is only a trickle of water coming form the taps, it isn't sufficient to wash your hands - it comes back down the tap so even less gets on your hands. So we have to use the sink in the kitchenette (the only other sink that isn't in one of the consulting rooms) to wash our hands after using the loo.

I can do my job totally from home (and did in lockdown) however we are supposed to be hybrid working, with a minimum of 3 days in the office. Its a health center, so germ central!

AIBU to insist I work from home until the toilet issue is resolved?

I'd report it to the Health & Safety Exec. They can't say they haven't had time to fix it. It's putting people at risk.

The thing that is bothering me the most, is the fact they aren't flushing properly. The first flush the water (and its contents) comes up the bowl and you have to wait for it to recede and the cistern to refill and then you flush a second time and it usually goes away, but not always and sometimes requires a third flush. I'm on my period and I don't want to leave a mess for the next person.

It's not just your cat that's annoying is it!

It isn't our building, we just rent an office in it.

That is grim to the max and I think in your position I would be refusing to work from there too - it sounds like a health hazard. I don't enjoy public loos at the best of times so this would be awful for me.

Not providing suitable facilities for staff is a BREACH of H&S not just important - this can lead to fines for the organisation and also for the relevant managers PERSONALLY PAYABLE and if it is serious enough a prison sentence. I would find out a) where other facilities are located (ie are they nearby or 1 mile away), check out the relevant legislation (I can't remember where it is off the top of my head) and check out the exact wording, and check out the potential repercussions and then email the staff H&S Rep or the H&S Rep and HR. Point out their responsibilities and the fact that it could be considered they are in breach of this. Seems an easy fix to me - posh portaloos in the car park or similar, posh so they allow proper handwashing and hygeine.

They have a responsibility to raise it with the Landlords then and pursue it. Any H&S breach would transfer to Landlords if the lease has been adhered to (ie not too many people in the building) and they could become liable for fines or prison sentences

The public cannot access the kitchenette to wash their hands either as it is behind a staff only area.

But how does that affect your working? If you worked from home, the patients would still be in the same situation.

Why would a disinfectant wet wipe spread germs?

Where am I getting wet wipes from?!

@Jolinar, bring a tenant does not absolve your managers from not providing appropriate and hygienic toilet and hand washing facilities. They need to pursue this with the landlord, and provide temporary alternatives.

Personally I don't think they should be able to use the loos if they can't wash their hands, but that isn't my decision. I can only look out for me and my team.

Thanks

Is there not an infection control team you could call? Or if you're outside a big trust there should still be a freedom to speak up guardian.

Sounds awful

They don't work on all germs for one thing.
They will spread quickly from the wet wipe to the door handle from her hands.

And why should she buy some for their failings as a company?

Are you by any chance one of those managers that doesn't care for your employees and just makes up random shit to inconvenience them? Probably a micro manager too.

Yes, I would refuse to work there. I would make a formal complaint, DATIX it and raise it on the risk register. I'd contact my union, the ICP team, HR and Occ Health, make them aware of the situation and say that once it is resolved you will move back on site.

Some of you on here are revolting - do you live like pigs?

"due to" doesn't = "have been" though does it?

It's particularly manky for women who may be having their period.

It isn't our building, we just rent an office in it

No but it's your employer, and as a PP said they have a direct responsibility towards their staff, with any tussles with the landlords not being your issue to sort out

I'll be honest in saying I thought this was just another "I want to WFH/not go in the office at all" thread, but since that's not the case I agree with contacting your union and the H&S executive

Sorry, but 🤮.
I would love to be a microbiologist, studying the surface germs in an area where staff and public were unable to wash hands. Is there at least a hand sanitiser dispenser in the toilets op?
There isn't an excuse for poor hygiene, if building maintenance won't fix the toilets they can hire in portaloos.
Usually I would say to office dodgers yabu, but in this case you are definitely not unreasonable.

No, definitely not. I don't mind working in the office at all, as I said it is closer to my kids school (where they are in holiday club currently) and also I prefer the break in work/ home definition to be clear. WFH is useful and was great in lockdown when the health center was a covid response center but generally I'm a fan of the office and being where my colleagues are.

Where am I getting wet wipes from?!

Do your local shops not sell them?

Ewwwww

I'm assuming you're an nhs service in a rented building? If so, complete an incident form every time you go to the toilet. I'd also message the director of nursing and the chief executive to escalate your concerns.

It needs to be escalated and the services need to have suitable accommodation that is fit for purpose.

You run a team of workers and you can't figure out how to get wet wipes?

Not between now and the next staff member going to the loo!