STAYING IN TOUCH: JACQUELYN ODURO
The Government of Manitoba has introduced an amendment to the Workplace Safety and Health Regulation requiring hot water to be available for handwashing at certain large construction sites.
This change was passed on March 20, 2026, and will come into effect on April 1, 2027.
The requirement applies specifically to certain larger construction projects, where employers and prime contractors will need to ensure that appropriate handwashing facilities include access to hot water.
Employers and prime contractors must ensure that hot water for handwashing is provided at specified construction sites, namely industrial, commercial, or institutional buildings that are greater than 600 square metres or greater than three storeys in height, where more than 25 workers are or are expected to be on site at any one time during the project.
While this update is not expected to significantly impact most heavy construction operations, it reflects a continued focus on worker hygiene and overall workplace health standards across the province.
WorkSafely will continue to monitor implementation details and provide further guidance if needed. In the meantime, members are encouraged to be aware of this upcoming requirement—particularly when planning for larger or long-duration projects.
For full details, you can review the provincial FAQ here.
