I work for a large company in AZ. I have found that it does not pay to call HR or corporate for any reason. My manager decided that he did not like the "look" of the old water fountain in the back (out of customer's sight) and had it removed. This was a few months ago. This week he had the soda machine removed. Today he threw out the refrigerator that we had been using to store our water in. Mind you this is AZ, temps peaking in the 110 range. We have a sink that only dispenses hot water. I felt like I had heat exhaustion today. And I can't ever get a chance to run to the corner store to get cold beverages because we are always busy. Question is, do employers have to provide water? I wanted to call OSHA today but I'm very afraid of what retaliation I will get if this employer finds out. Any help?

This is what I was able to find. However, I can't tell you whether "should" means "must" or whether it is only recommended.

Maybe our local OSHA expert will be by and can clarify.

http://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/otm_iii/otm_iii_4.html#2

A temproary fix could be for you to carry a small ice chest each day and supply your own cold beverages.

Are you in an office? If so, I would assume there are fans or AC and you aren't sitting in 110 degree heat all day.

Employers in certain circumstances should provide water but OSHA isn't going to insist it be served at a particular temperature. I'd go with the thermos or cooler idea. Or just freeze the water bottles overnight and drink them as they melt throughout the day. Problem solved.

I am with Elle.

OSHA requires potable water be available. While the "hot" water coming out of the tap may not be drinkable at that moment, it will cool down to room temperature and I doubt OSHA would be alarmed by that.

I do think the boss is a bit of a nut case by taking away the drinking fountain and the refrigerator. The loss of the soda machine is even worse, since it probably generated some income to the company. That means he is not terribly bright, either.

1910.141(b)
Water supply.

1910.141(b)(1)
Potable water.

1910.141(b)(1)(i)
Potable water shall be provided in all places of employment, for drinking, washing of the person, cooking, washing of foods, washing of cooking or eating utensils, washing of food preparation or processing premises, and personal service rooms.

1910.141(b)(1)(ii)
[Reserved]

1910.141(b)(1)(iii)
Portable drinking water dispensers shall be designed, constructed, and serviced so that sanitary conditions are maintained, shall be capable of being closed, and shall be equipped with a tap.

1910.141(b)(1)(iv)
[Reserved]

..1910.141(b)(1)(v)
1910.141(b)(1)(v)

Open containers such as barrels, pails, or tanks for drinking water from which the water must be dipped or poured, whether or not they are fitted with a cover, are prohibited.

1910.141(b)(1)(vi)
A common drinking cup and other common utensils are prohibited.


This is the extent of the regulation, so basically as long as the employer has something you can get potable water out of they are in compliance.

I don't agree that removing the water fountain and fridge is right but there is nothing in the reg. making chilled water required.

I would agree that a thermos or something similar is your best option at this time.

Did you try talking to the Mgr ? My first step would be to calmly and politely explain the situation and see if you could reach some sort of compromise.

I spoke to someone in Osha or AZ DOL or something like that about a year ago. Our construction employees were bringing in receipts for reimbursement on water and ice for their work-truck water containers. I called because I wanted to clarify if the employer was responsible to provide water to the employee. What I was told was that we have to provide water at a temperature of 80 degrees or less and individual cups for them to drink from.

I wish I could remember which agency gave me this information. I was transfered many times in my search for the answer.

We decided to do away with the daily reimbursements of 2.50 for each employee and instead opted to purchase a water and ice machine that they use to fill their coolers up with each morning.