A welfare unit is a self-contained portable cabin that provides all the welfare facilities your site workers need in one place. Unlike a standalone portable toilet, a welfare unit typically includes a toilet, a handwashing area with hot and cold water, a canteen or rest area with seating, a microwave and kettle, and a drying room for wet weather clothing.
They're delivered to your site on a lorry or towed by a vehicle, positioned where you need them, and then serviced regularly throughout your project. Most are self-contained with their own water and waste tanks, so they don't need mains connections — though mains connection is possible for longer term installations.
The CDM Regulations 2015 require all construction sites to provide adequate welfare facilities. A standalone portable toilet covers the toilet requirement, but the regulations also require rest facilities, eating facilities, handwashing facilities and changing/drying facilities.
For small, short-duration projects near existing facilities, it may be possible to meet these requirements without a full welfare unit. But for most construction projects of any significant size or duration, a welfare unit is the practical solution that meets all requirements in one.
Our strong recommendation is: if your project involves more than a handful of workers, lasts more than a few days, and doesn't have easy access to existing canteen and washing facilities nearby — get a welfare unit. It protects you legally and genuinely makes a difference to your workers' wellbeing and productivity.
Welfare unit hire typically costs between £120 and £200 per week depending on size, location and supplier. This includes weekly servicing — waste emptying, cleaning and restocking. Delivery and collection charges apply and vary by distance.
Get in touch with Loo Managed for a free quote specific to your site — we'll find the best option from our supplier network and confirm pricing with no hidden charges.