Lockers are often overlooked when considering the welfare of employees. Lockers offer a secure solution for employees to store belongings, equipment and uniform either overnight or whilst working. But do employers have a legal obligation to provide lockers in the UK? Read on as our security expert Anthony Neary reveals the answer to this popular question.
So, do employers have to provide lockers in the UK?
No, there isn’t a specific law that states all employers must provide lockers for their staff in the UK. However, employers are required to meet health and safety regulations. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 says that employers should provide a safe and healthy working environment, which can include adequate storage facilities for personal items in some work settings. This could include environments where special clothing is required, or if personal belongings could be lost or stolen. There are several reasons why employers should consider providing lockers to their staff:
Practicality
Depending on the nature of the workplace, lockers might become a practical necessity. For example, in industries where employees wear uniforms, personal protective equipment (PPE), or handle sensitive information, providing lockers is an important aspect of maintaining a secure and organised work environment.
Enhanced workplace morale
Providing lockers can boost employee morale by showing that their security and comfort is highly valued. This is because staff can be given a safe space to store their personal belongings, providing the peace of mind that their items are protected.
Increased hygiene
In certain industries like healthcare and manufacturing, employees need to change into uniform or PPE on-site. Lockers give employees a safe space to store their work clothing, preventing cross-contamination with the outside world. This factor can also help companies to comply with health and safety standards.
Improved security
Stowing items behind a lock and key can reduce the risk of theft or loss in the workplace. This is especially true in shared workspaces or environments with high footfall. The locking mechanism means that only the locker user can freely access the locker.
Ultimately, the decision to provide lockers depends on the nature of the work, the workplace environment, what employees need to do their jobs effectively and how the workplace wants to perceive themselves.
Where might employers provide lockers?
Although lockers aren’t required by law, there are certain sectors where employers are more likely to provide them. Below, we’ve listed some of the key places that you might find lockers in.
Offices
Office lockers can be used by employees to store personal belongings, keeping them safe in shared or open-plan spaces. These lockers are especially useful for companies that have a hot-desk policy, as the items can be stored securely in one place. Find out more: Staff and Office Lockers
Healthcare facilities
Lockers are often a key feature of healthcare environments. Doctors, nurses and other healthcare employees are likely to need secure storage for personal belongings, work uniforms and personal protective equipment. Lockers help to keep these items separated from work areas to prevent contamination.
Factories
Factory workers are often required to wear specific uniforms or protective clothing. Providing lockers ensures that this workwear can be stored inside the premises, helping with cleanliness and organisation. Lockers can also store personal items that can’t be taken on shift too.
Police and fire stations
In emergency service professions like firefighting and law enforcement, specialised uniforms are needed. It is helpful to have these stored securely on site, ready to be accessed at any time. Lockers are also helpful for keeping sensitive information stowed away and organised.
What type of lockers could employers provide?
Employers can choose from a vast range of locker types, depending on the specific needs of the workplace. Each locker type serves a different purpose, from securing personal belongings to storing work-related equipment.
Laptop lockers
The rise of remote and flexible working means many employees carry their laptops to and from work. Laptop lockers remove the need to do this if employees are in the office the next day, keeping the devices secure. Many laptop lockers include charging facilities, ensuring that devices are always ready for use. Learn more: Laptop Lockers
Workwear and uniform lockers
Workwear lockers are designed to store uniforms and specialised work clothing. These lockers prevent uniforms from becoming lost or damaged, increasing their longevity. Workwear lockers are perfect for industries where uniforms are mandatory, like healthcare, hospitality and manufacturing. Find out more: Workwear and Uniform Lockers
Laundry lockers
Clothes lockers are often used by industries that need to provide their employees with clean work clothes, for example in factories or laboratories. Users deposit their dirty workwear into a locker, where it is then cleaned and replaced. Browse our selection: Clothes Lockers
Anti theft lockers
Anti-theft lockers have clear doors or vision panels to allow the contents to be seen from the outside, acting as a deterrent against theft. These lockers are popular in businesses that hold stock on the premises, helping to reduce shrinkage. Find out more: Anti Theft Lockers
PPE lockers
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) lockers are essential in industries where safety gear is required. These lockers provide a controlled environment for helmets, gloves and other safety equipment, kept easily accessible on site. View our range: PPE Lockers
Post lockers
Post lockers are ideal for sorting and storing mail, creating a safe space for letters to be organised. These lockers guarantee privacy for the recipient, whilst also providing a system that reduces clutter in busy office spaces. Learn more: Post Lockers
Personal and mobile phone lockers
Some workplaces restrict use of personal devices, so these lockers provide a safe place for employees to store their mobile phones and personal belongings during work hours. This helps maintain a focused and productive work environment. Browse our solutions: Personal and Mobile Phone Lockers
Although there is no legal requirement for employers to provide lockers, they are an investment that can improve security, organisation and convenience in the workplace. View our full range of lockers: Lockers
