Hi, I have a major problem at work. I'm 3 months into a new job and someone is messing around in the toilets flooding them by stuffing loo roll in the sinks. The management are threatening to lock the toilets and have access only by a key. I'm horrified by this prospect and what problems it would cause me. Can anyone tell me if it is legal to do this, im so worried?? Thank - Also there is no disabled toilet I could have access to.
Locking toilets at work - is it legal??
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rygon
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Do you work at a place where the public have access to the toilets, or is it an employee that is causing the problem. If so they should be looking at the culprit.
They do have to provide access to toilets for workers. I would ask them for a personal key as you may need to go to the toilet at a moments notice. This shouldnt be aproblem especially as you have a chronic bowel condition
They do have to provide access to toilets for workers. I would ask them for a personal key as you may need to go to the toilet at a moments notice. This shouldnt be aproblem especially as you have a chronic bowel condition
Hi, thanks for replying so quickly. There is no public access, it's an employee causing the problems. As I'm new and on probation I'm a bit worried about bringing it up and 'making a fuss', ive already had to have a new chair as i have sacroilitis caused by crohns :-( My line manager knows I've got crohns, but I'm not sure he understands exactly what it means for me, but I guess he's noticed I obviously visit the loo more than my colleagues!
nogutsnoglory
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They can't deny access to the bathroom by law. If its an employee I don't see a how a key system will help. I'd ask for a key you can keep due to your condition. Can you speak with your HR rep?
Exactly, I'd check with what ever government department that looks after labour / workplace health and safety issues. It's a widely accepted principle that you have to provide employees with a bathroom. If someone is stuffing rolls in the loo they have some unhappy employees to begin with, spoiling it for everyone else will just add fuel to the fire.
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First of all what is wrong with people, I just don't get it what do they get out of it.
Don't worry about asking you're not making a fuss if you just explain the situation to them. If they want to monitor the main bathroom see if you can get a key to the disabled instead.
Don't worry about asking you're not making a fuss if you just explain the situation to them. If they want to monitor the main bathroom see if you can get a key to the disabled instead.
Thanks everyone. There has been no more talk today about locking up the toilets thankfully. Apparently there is an email going to be sent saying if the culprit is found it's going to be classed as gross misconduct, which is a much better solution I think! If the topic of locking the loos comes up again I will be asking for my own key and getting in touch with my union rep I think as you have all suggested, but I hopefully it won't come to that!
There is no disabled loo in the building unfortunately, if there was I wouldn't have any hesitation in using it - also my RADAR key has been great when out & about. Thanks again!
There is no disabled loo in the building unfortunately, if there was I wouldn't have any hesitation in using it - also my RADAR key has been great when out & about. Thanks again!
rygon
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These may be worth reading for future problems
http://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/content/services/infoSheets.asp
http://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/content/services/infoSheets.asp
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I don't know about the laws in the UK, but at least here, locking employee bathrooms, and requiring employees obtain a key or installing a keypad and assigning employees with codes for access, is not only perfectly legal, but in many of the buildings in downtown Chicago, it's standard practice.
Alternatively, some workplaces have cards, that employees are required to swipe to gain access. In some buildings, you are required to swipe your card to gain access to the building, and again to ride the elevator. Access can even be restricted to the floor you work on.
Why? In many larger companies, it's how they keep track of the employees who are late for work, how often employees take breaks, and to prevent outsiders from gaining access who don't belong there, while also saving on the costs of having to hire security personnel.
I provide accounting and bookkeeping services for various companies, some of which are located in downtown Chicago. Some have provided me with keys or a swipe card, while others have assigned me a punch code. So I'm used to it.
One of my clients was having problems with vandalism, and wanted to install cameras in employee bathrooms, but was told that could expose him to the risk of potential employee lawsuits for invasion of privacy. So he started locking the bathrooms instead, requiring employees sign in order to obtain a key for access. That did end the vandalism.
Why old anyone vandalize an employee bathroom? Either because they have a sick sense of humor or expressing anger at their boss.
Alternatively, some workplaces have cards, that employees are required to swipe to gain access. In some buildings, you are required to swipe your card to gain access to the building, and again to ride the elevator. Access can even be restricted to the floor you work on.
Why? In many larger companies, it's how they keep track of the employees who are late for work, how often employees take breaks, and to prevent outsiders from gaining access who don't belong there, while also saving on the costs of having to hire security personnel.
I provide accounting and bookkeeping services for various companies, some of which are located in downtown Chicago. Some have provided me with keys or a swipe card, while others have assigned me a punch code. So I'm used to it.
One of my clients was having problems with vandalism, and wanted to install cameras in employee bathrooms, but was told that could expose him to the risk of potential employee lawsuits for invasion of privacy. So he started locking the bathrooms instead, requiring employees sign in order to obtain a key for access. That did end the vandalism.
Why old anyone vandalize an employee bathroom? Either because they have a sick sense of humor or expressing anger at their boss.
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