OSHA Publishes Best Practice Guide for Restroom Access for Transgender Workers

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OSHA published a Guide to Restroom Access for Transgender Workers to provide employers with guidance regarding restroom access for all employees. The guide, which was developed by request of the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE), explains gender identity, the importance of restroom access, OSHA’s sanitation standard and best practices for providing restroom access to transgender employees.

Under OSHA's sanitation standard, all employers must provide employees with sanitary and available toilet facilities. Neglecting to do so could lead to adverse health effects including urinary tract infections and bowel and bladder problems. The publication includes best practices in addition to other federal, state and local laws that reaffirm the core principle of providing employees with access to restroom facilities based on gender identification.

According to the agency, many companies have already implemented written policies to ensure that all employees–including transgender employees–have prompt access to appropriate sanitary facilities. The core belief underlying these policies is that all employees should be permitted to use the facilities that correspond with their gender identity.

OSHA formed an alliance with the NCTE earlier this year to develop new resources to educate employers and protect transgender workers.