are required to provide arborists and other mobile workers access to either an on-site toilet facility or “prompt” transportation to one within 10 min- utes. They are also required to provide handwashing facilities or, if this is not feasible, readily available antiseptic hand cleaners, gels, or towelettes. Business owners have employed a num- ber of solutions to meet the needs of their employees and keep costs down. In some cases, it’s as easy as providing a privacy tarp to cover the back of the chip truck. Others provide employees with a pickup truck or car to transport them to and from restrooms. Other bathroom solutions can include bucket commodes, urine-soaking gel packs, privacy tents and other shields. “It’s about employee health and safety,” says Garrick Bell, sales manager for Brief Relief, which manufactures porta- ble commodes, privacy tents and waste disposal products that are compliant with OSHA and Environmental Protec- tion Agency regulations. A polymer enzyme deodorizes and breaks down waste in an impervious, hospital-grade bag that can be tossed into the trash. And while these prod- ucts have been fully embraced by utility workers, Bell says they are just now introducing them to the tree care industry. “The feedback has been overwhelm- ing,” says Bell. “They’ve never seen anything like this before.” Having a frank and open discussion about bathroom needs is likely to make anyone uncomfortable, but it’s up to employers to start the dialogue. By providing employees with thought- ful accommodations, business owners can show they care about the needs of workers and customers alike. “It’s still a weird topic to talk about, but you have to have that open communi- cation with your team,” says McNeill, adding, “Maybe it’s time to talk about it a little more openly.”
Toilet Solutions There are several products available to make jobsite bathroom breaks less stressful
Removeable toilet: Green Pro Solutions created a universal toilet seat frame that can latch onto the inside of a chip truck or other locations.
Brief Relief: Portable commodes, privacy shelters and curtains, and waste disposal bags privacy , and
There’s also the issue of client re- lations. Customers may not care to know how their arborist takes care of business, but they probably don’t want to see them relieve themselves all over their yards either. While this may not be as much of a concern in urban areas, where public restrooms can be found nearby, it can be an issue in more rural areas. “You have to have that communication with customers,” says McNeill, adding that most of them understand. “It’s sur- prising how many customers do open up their homes.” Then there are the ubiquitous securi- ty cameras, which are becoming more common in residential areas. Arborists may think nothing of sneaking a bath- room break behind a customer’s shed, but they run the risk of being recorded while doing it. “You drive up to a property and see that the cars are gone,” says Maurer. “You don’t give a second thought to the cameras, and you’re not as careful.” BATHROOM SOLUTIONS According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, employers Knowing where the closest portable toilets are located works in a pinch. Photo from Sound Media at publicdomainpictures.net
make it possible for both men and women to follow
the company’s motto and “do your business anywhere.” Foldable toilet: Sometimes, all you need is a plastic bag and a steady place to perch. s Portable toilet urinal: For the environ- inal: mentally conscious who want to leave no trace. Pack it in, pack it out. Female urinals: Taking their cue from men, there are a number of female urinals designed to allow women to pee standing up. “Make sure the wind is at your back, ladies!” cautions Shewee’s website. ke
36 | ArborTIMES Summer 2023
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