Every construction site in British Columbia must provide toilet facilities for workers. WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation Part 4 requires a minimum of 1 toilet per 10 workers, and the facilities must be maintained in a clean, sanitary condition. Here is what contractors and site managers need to know to stay compliant.

WorkSafeBC Requirements at a Glance

The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation under Part 4 (General Conditions) sets clear requirements for washroom facilities on construction sites:

Minimum 1 toilet for every 10 workers on site at any given time
Facilities must be reasonably accessible to workers
Toilets must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition
Hand washing facilities must be available near toilet facilities
Facilities must provide privacy and be weather-protected

These requirements apply to all construction sites, regardless of size. A residential renovation with 3 workers needs a toilet just as much as a commercial development with 50.

How Many Portable Toilets Do You Need?

Use this quick reference for standard construction sites:

1 to 10 workers: 1 portable toilet
11 to 20 workers: 2 portable toilets
21 to 30 workers: 3 portable toilets
31 to 40 workers: 4 portable toilets

For sites with more than 40 workers, continue adding 1 unit per 10 additional workers. Keep in mind that these are minimums. Larger sites, sites with restricted movement between areas, or projects with long shift durations may benefit from additional units.

ADA Requirements

If any workers on your site have mobility limitations, you must provide accessible facilities. Even when not specifically required by a worker’s needs, many general contractors include at least one ADA-accessible unit on larger sites as a best practice. ADA units feature wider doors, interior grab bars, and ramp access.

Placement Requirements

Portable toilets on construction sites must be:

Accessible without excessive travel \u2013 workers should not have to walk more than a reasonable distance from their work area
On stable, level ground \u2013 units must be placed securely to prevent tipping
Away from hazards \u2013 do not place units in active work zones, near heavy equipment traffic, or in areas where they could be struck
Connected to hand washing \u2013 hand sanitizer dispensers inside units meet the minimum, but hand wash stations are preferred on larger sites

Servicing and Maintenance

WorkSafeBC requires that facilities be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. For portable toilets, this means regular servicing that includes pumping the holding tank, cleaning and sanitizing the interior, restocking supplies, and inspecting the unit for damage.

Weekly servicing is the industry standard for most construction sites. High-usage sites with 8 or more workers per unit may benefit from twice-weekly service. Action Septic includes weekly servicing with all construction site rentals in the Okanagan.

What Happens if You Are Not Compliant?

WorkSafeBC inspectors can issue orders requiring immediate corrective action if your site lacks adequate toilet facilities. Repeated violations can result in penalties and can affect your company’s safety record. Beyond regulatory compliance, providing clean, accessible toilets is simply good practice for worker morale and productivity.

The 2024 Flush Toilet Requirement

WorkSafeBC updated its regulations to encourage flush toilets on larger construction sites, particularly those with 25 or more workers. Whether flush units are strictly required depends on site conditions, season, and inspector discretion — units without heating may not fully satisfy the requirement during winter months. Standard portable toilets still meet the requirements for most construction applications. See our detailed breakdown of the WorkSafeBC flush toilet rule for more information.

Rental Costs for Construction Sites

Standard portable toilet rentals for construction sites in the Okanagan start at approximately $150 per month, with weekly servicing included. ADA-accessible units are approximately $230 per month. Most construction projects rent on a monthly basis for the duration of the project.

Getting Set Up

Setting up portable toilets for your construction site is simple:

Count your peak daily worker count
Divide by 10 to determine the minimum number of units
Consider adding ADA units and hand wash stations
Call Action Septic at 250-808-7867 to schedule delivery

We deliver throughout the Okanagan, including Kelowna, West Kelowna, Vernon, Lake Country, and Peachland. Our team can help you determine the right number and type of units for your specific project.

Need portable toilets for your BC construction site? Call Action Septic at 250-808-7867 for fast delivery and reliable weekly servicing. Visit our portable toilet rentals page to see all unit options.

Construction Site Portable Toilet Requirements in BC