Safe Work Australia (SWA) has amended the national model WHS Code of Practice for managing the work environment and facilities to outline the expectations on employers to ensure that workers have access to sanitary or period products.
The amended Code of Practice Managing the work environment and facilities now states that "a lack of access to essential sanitary products (period products) can directly impact a worker’s health and safety, potentially leading to unhygienic conditions, potential health complications, stress and other risks".
The Code goes on to advise that in workplaces where access to personal period products may be limited (such as remote locations, during long or irregular work hours, or when there are limited opportunities to access personal belongings), it may be reasonably practicable for employers to provide access to a range of period products for workers.
“This could involve providing a small supply of regular-absorbency pads in toilets which afford privacy and with a hygienic means to dispose of products.
Products should be placed in accessible and hygienic locations and information on where to find products should be clearly communicated (e.g. through signage in toilets, staff induction training or workplace policies).”
Menstrual hygiene products are necessities, not luxuries, and employees often experience discomfort, stress, and decreased productivity and efficiency as a result of not having access to those products when at work. Implementing inclusive period care policies is a low-cost, easy initiative with a high impact on employee well-being.
SWA Codes of Practice are based on national model WHS legislation. Only some workplaces in Victoria are covered by the model WHS laws and regulated by Comcare - for example, Commonwealth Government workplaces, and some national employers such as Bank of Australia, Australia Post and Telstra. For workplaces under the jurisdiction of Victorian OHS laws you should refer to WorkSafe’s Compliance code: Workplace facilities and the working environment, which does not currently contain a provision relating to period or sanitary products.
Amendments to national model Codes can serve as a valuable resource and guidance for employers, HSRs and employees in other jurisdictions as a contribution to their state of knowledge and also as negotiation points for amendments to those jurisdictions’ own Codes of Practice.
Read more: Managing the work environment and facilities