Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether there are plans to amend the guidance on the Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare, Approved Code of Practice to accommodate the provision of suitable bins for men to dispose of sanitary products.

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 cover a wide range of issues relating to workplace health and safety, including work space, lighting, temperature, ventilation, traffic routes, windows, seating, toilets and rest facilities. These regulations already require that facilities are suitable for any person. All workers have a right to a safe working environment and employers should discuss working arrangements with their workers.

The heatwaves this summer prompted a number of Parliamentarians to raise concerns about maximum workplace temperature. As a result, the Health and Safety Executive is revising the scope of the review to consider this issue therefore progress on the review of the guidance has been delayed.