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Our site has 120 workers across three buildings. One toilet bank or separate ones?

Hector V.asked 1 viewConstruction & Job SitesOsha 1926 51ClusterUnits per personAda cluster rulePlacement

We have a 12-acre site with three separate buildings under construction, all spread out. We've got 120 workers total, split across the three locations. The ground is graded dirt, and my truck can get anywhere on site. Right now, I have one bank of eight standard units and one ADA-compliant unit near the main entrance, which meets the OSHA 1926.51 count for 120 workers. But the crews at the farthest building are complaining about the 10-minute walk each way. I'm trying to figure out if OSHA requires toilets at each work area or if one central cluster is enough. Do I need to split the units up, or just add more at the central spot? What's the rule on distance?

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Ray M.Dallas, TX

OSHA 1926.51(c) requires toilet facilities at each work area, not just one central cluster. Your site has 120 workers across three separate buildings, which OSHA considers distinct work areas. The standard mandates one toilet seat and one urinal per 40 workers for 20 to 199 employees, but distance matters: facilities must be immediately available without undue delay. A 10-minute walk fails that test. You need a cluster at each building. For 120 workers split evenly, each location has 40 workers, requiring one standard unit and one portable urinal per building, plus an ADA-compliant unit in one cluster to meet the ADA 5 percent cluster rule. Splitting units adds delivery and service trips, increasing cost, but it's necessary for compliance and productivity. Your truck access simplifies placement, but ensure each cluster is on level ground with clear truck access for weekly service.

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