Women are resorting to dangerous coping strategies at work—deliberate dehydration, delaying bathroom breaks, or using inappropriate locations—due to a lack of facilities.

Health issues tied to poor facilities are widespread, with at least 73% of women reporting UTIs, dehydration, or stress, and some hospitalized for kidney infections.

Instances include female bus drivers in Brisbane and train drivers who urinate in cars or buckets due to unstaffed or dirty facilities, with many lacking sanitary disposal and bins.

Among 821 union members surveyed, more than 80% report dehydration or anxiety from limited toilet access, with about a third experiencing urinary tract infections, signaling a broad health and safety crisis.

The RTBU advocates for comprehensive standards: dedicated women’s toilet facilities near work sites, universal provision of sanitary bins, well-lit toilets in safe locations, and guaranteed toilet breaks for all workers.

Federal and state responses include Safe Work Australia codes mandating adequate facilities, while NSW and Brisbane authorities have started or expanded improved facilities at depots and rest stops.

A union report reveals widespread inadequate access to clean, safe bathrooms for women in the transport sector, creating health risks and eroding dignity across the industry.

Policy moves in Sydney and NSW include pilots for dedicated female toilets and multi-location upgrades, with plans to expand to dozens more sites.

A national standard is being urged, calling for guaranteed access to dedicated women’s toilets, sanitary disposal units, regular cleaning, and the freedom to take breaks as needed.

The report, titled It's a Bloody Mess, features harrowing testimonies of women avoiding breaks, carrying used menstrual products, and even bleeding through clothes due to inaccessible facilities.

The union seeks a full overhaul of standards, including contractor-managed, regularly serviced sanitary disposal units and guaranteed facilities for women.

First-hand accounts include women being questioned about toilet breaks on public radio and experiences of bleeding or wetting themselves because facilities are unavailable.

Workers report dangerous routes to toilets, such as walking through dark parks on overnight shifts, with minimal break times for restroom use.

RTBU National Vice President Leanne Holmes calls this a fundamental workplace rights and national health and safety issue, noting hospitalisations from kidney infections linked to poor facilities.

Personal accounts describe extreme conditions, including planning shifts around toilet access, limiting fluids, and carrying used period products to avoid periods.

Some workers have faced hospitalisation for kidney infections and recurring UTIs linked to inadequate toilet access, with reports of public radio breaks being policed and workers needing to justify breaks.

Union representative Leanne Holmes characterizes the situation as a national health and safety crisis requiring urgent action to protect workers’ health and dignity.