Providing suitable accommodation for workers is essential in industries that require employees to work in remote or temporary locations. Whether it’s construction, mining, or agriculture, ensuring workers have a safe and comfortable place to stay helps maintain productivity and worker well-being.
When Is Workers’ Accommodation Necessary?
Workers’ accommodation is essential when:
- The job site is in a remote location – If a project is far from residential areas, workers need a place to stay nearby.
- Travel times are impractical – Long commutes lead to fatigue and decreased productivity. Accommodation ensures workers arrive on time and well-rested.
- The work requires extended stays – Industries like mining, oil, and large-scale infrastructure often need workers to stay on-site for weeks or months.
- Seasonal labour is required – Industries such as agriculture and construction rely on temporary workers who need short-term accommodation.
Legal Necessity and Employer-Provided Accommodation Laws
In Western Australia, employers who provide accommodation for their workers have specific legal obligations to ensure the health and safety of those premises. According to WorkSafe WA, residential premises are considered employer-provided accommodation when:
- The residence is owned by or under the control of the employer.
- The residence is situated outside the metropolitan area or a gazetted townsite.
- Occupancy is necessary for employment purposes because no other accommodation is reasonably available in the area.
Employers must maintain such accommodation in a safe and healthy condition, ensuring workers are not exposed to hazards. This includes providing:
- Lockable facilities with safe entry and exit.
- Compliance with structural, electrical, and fire safety standards.
- Access to drinking water, toilets, washing, and laundry facilities.
- Regular cleaning and rubbish collection.
- Sleeping quarters shielded from noise and vibration.
- Adequate lighting, heating, cooling, and ventilation.
It’s important to note that these obligations do not apply where there is a written lease or tenancy agreement in place. For more detailed information, refer to WorkSafe WA’s guidance on employer-provided accommodation and duty of care.
Why Workers’ Accommodation Is Important for Seasonal Workers
Many industries depend on seasonal workers, particularly agriculture and hospitality. However, finding suitable short-term accommodation is one of the biggest challenges for these workers. Here’s why dedicated housing solutions matter:
- Reliable Housing Solutions – Seasonal workers often struggle to find short-term rentals, making employer-provided accommodation essential. Without it, workers may face uncertainty or excessive costs.
- Increased Workforce Availability – More workers are willing to take jobs in remote areas if they know secure housing is provided, making recruitment easier.
- Better Working Conditions – Comfortable living arrangements contribute to worker productivity, morale, and overall well-being, ensuring they perform at their best.
- Cost-Effective for Employers – Providing accommodation reduces recruitment costs by attracting and retaining skilled workers, minimising turnover and disruptions.
Considerations for Quality Workers’ Accommodation
Not all workers’ accommodation is the same. To ensure employees have a safe and comfortable place to live, businesses should consider:
- Comfort and Livability – Housing should include proper sleeping areas, kitchens, and hygiene facilities to ensure workers feel at home.
- Health & Safety Compliance – Accommodation must meet Australian standards for ventilation, fire safety, sanitation, and overall living conditions.
- Connectivity & Recreation – Workers benefit from access to Wi-Fi, communal spaces, and recreational areas to maintain their mental well-being and stay connected with family.
- Scalability & Flexibility – Housing solutions should be adaptable to different workforce sizes and project durations, ensuring employers can scale up or down as needed.
How Can Aussie Demountables Help?
Aussie Demountables specialises in high-quality portable buildings, including workers’ accommodation units designed for industries such as construction, mining, and agriculture. Our solutions cater to businesses needing temporary or long-term housing for employees working in remote locations.
- Customisable Workers’ Accommodation – Flexible designs tailored to specific workforce needs, from single-room units to multi-room setups.
- New & Second-Hand Transportable Buildings – Options that fit various budgets and project requirements.
- Delivery Across Australia – We supply and transport demountable buildings nationwide, making it easy for businesses to set up housing wherever needed.
- Additional Portable Solutions – We also provide portable commercial kitchens, laundries, and office spaces, creating complete worksite setups.
Whether you need short-term accommodation for seasonal workers or long-term housing for remote projects, Aussie Demountables provides practical, cost-effective solutions.
Conclusion
Workers’ accommodation is essential for keeping projects on track and ensuring employees remain productive, safe, and satisfied. Whether for short-term seasonal work or long-term remote projects, quality accommodation benefits both workers and employers. Investing in suitable housing is a practical solution that improves efficiency, job satisfaction, and overall workplace morale.
