Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what her timeframe is for updating the Workplace (Health and Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 to accommodate the provision of suitable bins for men to dispose of sanitary products.

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 (‘Workplace Regulations’) do not explicitly require the provision of a disposal method for sanitary products in toilets, it is the guidance which supports the law Workplace health, safety and welfare - L24 (hse.gov.uk) Approved Code of Practice and guidance which makes reference to this requirement.

Regulation 2(3) of the Workplace Regulations aims to ensure that workplaces meet the health, safety and welfare needs of each member of the workforce. The Health and Safety Executive has informed me that they intend to consider whether the guidance regarding disposal of sanitary dressings in toilets fulfils that aim.