I Was Told to Get Rid of my Bottle of Water.

Gamer Bhoy 89

I work in a tourist location and my job at the moment is to, essentially, play "bouncer" at the public toilets for 8 hours. I'm allowed half an hour for my lunch break and one 10min break in the morning.

But in between all that I'm just sitting here.

I like to have a bottle of water on me at all times, especially in this time of year. This is the first time I've ever been told not to have a bottle of water on me while I'm on a shift, to "get rid of it".

Are they allowed to do this?

It took me aback. Never had this said to me in any job prior. Not even this job until this morning when my supervisor saw me with one.

ShedTower

It's bad form for sure. I'm sure you could challenge it. You could also wear a water bladder instead.

Ask him how you are supposed to keep hydrated if you can’t have water on you. Absolute bull if you ask me and can’t see how they can stipulate this, water is a necessity.

I go through 2 to 3 litres of water a day just siting at my desk - no way could I work without water to hand.

endacl

Tripp Noisy Tongue wrote: »

I go through 2 to 3 litres of water a day just siting at my desk

Well, strictly speaking.....

The water goes through you!

Gamer Bhoy 89

Apparently there is no law in place that says an employer/supervisor cannot refuse an employee a source of water.

Apparently if there is an available source of water in the place of work, then this somehow allows them to deny you access to your own.

Where I work there is no available source....unless I drink out of the tap inside the public toilets.... but who does that?

UsBus

Tripp Noisy Tongue wrote: »

Ask him how you are supposed to keep hydrated if you can’t have water on you. Absolute bull if you ask me and can’t see how they can stipulate this, water is a necessity.

I go through 2 to 3 litres of water a day just siting at my desk - no way could I work without water to hand.

3 litres a day...?
You'd be up and down all day with that amount..

lucalux

"(d) an adequate supply of potable drinking water is provided and maintained at suitable points conveniently accessible to all employees,The employer is required to provide an adequate supply of wholesome drinking water at locations within the workplace that are accessible to employees. The number of locations would be dependent upon the size of the workplace, the number of persons employed, the nature of the work and any requirement for the employee to remain at the workstation for sustained periods. Where drinking fountains are used, they should be of such design that the nozzle is shielded to protect it from contamination by the mouths of users."

From the Guide to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work(General Application) Regulations 2007

Accessible is probably the word here. If you can't leave your post apart from breaks, you could argue that not having potable drinking water provided is reason for you to carry your own bottle. Were you given any reason to get rid of it, or no?

Mrs OBumble

Its a common rule in customer facing jobs.

Keep your water bottle with your lunch. Use it on you break time, not your working time.

lucalux

Not to disagree that it's common Mrs, as I don't know that, but I've never come across it in several customer facing jobs.

Not allowing employees a drink of water while working seems unnecessary. Food yes, grand. But water?

Jimmy McGill

I'd say it's most likely to do with how many toilet breaks you're taking, speaking from experience of it happening with someone in a previous job I had.

Mrs OBumble

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Its a common rule in customer facing jobs.

Keep your water bottle with your lunch. Use it on you break time, not your working time.

Thats bull to be fair expecting someone to only drink water on their break, I would have well over a litre of water drank on top of cups of tea between starting work and lunch time - I wouldn't be right without a constant supply of water.

listermint

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Its a common rule in customer facing jobs.

Keep your water bottle with your lunch. Use it on you break time, not your working time.

Never seen this anywhere tbh.

Sounds like a gammy supervisor.

Id stick with the hydration ankle and raise it to the manager if needed.

Theres no need for this level of nonsense and as i said its not common in customer facing jobs. at all

Cheensbo

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Its a common rule in customer facing jobs.

Keep your water bottle with your lunch. Use it on you break time, not your working time.

sounds more like a mobile phone, not a bottle of water

Gamer Bhoy 89

lucalux wrote: »

Accessible is probably the word here. If you can't leave your post apart from breaks, you could argue that not having potable drinking water provided is reason for you to carry your own bottle. Were you given any reason to get rid of it, or no?

No she just said it as she walked by me, pointing the finger at the bottle without looking at me - that sorta way.

And no there is no accessibility at all. I have not seen one drinking fountain or drinkable water source anywhere. It's usually in the cafeteria but it's closed due to covid19.

I don't move from this spot aside from breaks. I still have the water on me so if she says it again I'll ask for a reason (without being disrespectful, of course)

Gamer Bhoy 89

Jimmy McGill wrote: »

I'd say it's most likely to do with how many toilet breaks you're taking, speaking from experience of it happening with someone in a previous job I had.

I am supervising a toilet block. I'm sitting using my phone while I'm here. I got more ****e for having water than I did having my phone. I am not far from a toilet if i need to go. And all i am doing is sanitising a bathroom when two people use it.

If I need to go, you blink and you miss it.

lucalux

Gamer Bhoy 89 wrote: »

No she just said it as she walked by me, pointing the finger at the bottle without looking at me - that sorta way.

And no there is no accessibility at all. I have not seen one drinking fountain or drinkable water source anywhere. It's usually in the cafeteria but it's closed due to covid19.

I don't move from this spot aside from breaks. I still have the water on me so if she says it again I'll ask for a reason (without being disrespectful, of course)

Sounds like the best way to approach it, asking respectfully, and seeing if a compromise is needed, or possible.

As mentioned above, a water bladder could be a solution if your supervisor deems it unprofessional looking, but really I do wonder what the motivation is with it.
Hope it goes well

cruizer101

Where is the bottle sitting? Are you at a table/desk? Could you put it somewhere more discrete but still available to you?

I think it is silly to not allow it but compromising if you can might be the easiest solution.

Bandana boy

Tripp Noisy Tongue wrote: »

Thats bull to be fair expecting someone to only drink water on their break, I would have well over a litre of water drank on top of cups of tea between starting work and lunch time - I wouldn't be right without a constant supply of water.

Sounds like Diabetes , maybe time to see a doctor

OMM 0000

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Its a common rule in customer facing jobs.

Keep your water bottle with your lunch. Use it on you break time, not your working time.

Agree with this.

I guess you could stash the bottle somewhere, but yeah, drink on breaks (toilet runs, etc.) and keep the bottle out of sight.

Nicole2020

OMM 0000 wrote: »

Agree with this.

I guess you could stash the bottle somewhere, but yeah, drink on breaks (toilet runs, etc.) and keep the bottle out of sight.

I know a lot of people are shocked by this but it is indeed very common in customer facing roles. Think about when you’re in a department store etc. You don’t see them walking around with bottles of water or ones beside their tills. They’re kept in the back or in staff areas etc. Same with bars, hotels etc. It’s frowned upon to drink water in front of the customers. I’ve always thought it was a funny rule, like the customers would be shocked they need hydration but there you go.

Purple Mountain

Does she deem it some sort of risk with Covid?

Bandana boy

Bandana boy wrote: »

Sounds like Diabetes , maybe time to see a doctor

Not at all, 2 to 3 litres is a very normal amount of water to drink though-out the day. I have always drank a lot of water.

Nicole2020 wrote: »

I know a lot of people are shocked by this but it is indeed very common in customer facing roles. Think about when you’re in a department store etc. You don’t see them walking around with bottles of water or ones beside their tills. They’re kept in the back or in staff areas etc. Same with bars, hotels etc. It’s frowned upon to drink water in front of the customers. I’ve always thought it was a funny rule, like the customers would be shocked they need hydration but there you go.

I've often seen someone at a till take out a bottle of water from underneath out of view and take a drink and regularly see people working in bars either fill a pint of water and drink from it or open a bottle of soft drink for themselves.

Nicole2020

Tripp Noisy Tongue wrote: »

Not at all, 2 to 3 litres is a very normal amount of water to drink though-out the day. I have always drank a lot of water.



I've often seen someone at a till take out a bottle of water from underneath out of view and take a drink and regularly see people working in bars either fill a pint of water and drink from it or open a bottle of soft drink for themselves.

Of course there’s exceptions to the rule but in general, it’s supposed to be in back of house areas.

Bandana boy

Tripp Noisy Tongue wrote: »

Not at all, 2 to 3 litres is a very normal amount of water to drink though-out the day. I have always drank a lot of water.

2-3 litres a day is fine , you indicated you are 3 litres during your work day and not able to function without it .

4 litres + would be considered dangerous for somebody with a sedentary job in 24 hours.
Not being able to function without excessive water would suggest an underlying condition , this can sometimes be an indicator for Diabetes.

i would get it checked out , sure whats the harm .

endacl

Tripp Noisy Tongue wrote: »

I wouldn't be right .

It's finally happened. Nox has achieved self-awareness!

Padre_Pio

Bandana boy wrote: »

2-3 litres a day is fine , you indicated you are 3 litres during your work day and not able to function without it .

4 litres + would be considered dangerous for somebody with a sedentary job in 24 hours.
Not being able to function without excessive water would suggest an underlying condition , this can sometimes be an indicator for Diabetes.

i would get it checked out , sure whats the harm .

B*llocks.
3 litres is fine so long as you feel good.
4+ litres is not dangerous in the least, so long as you have a healthy diet.

dhaughton99

Even without the water, your job sounds awful.

ShedTower

dhaughton99 wrote: »

Even without the water, your job sounds awful.

Well it's a hell of a lot better than those pulling the dole every week with no intention of working.

OMM 0000

dhaughton99 wrote: »

Even without the water, your job sounds awful.

😂

Bandana boy

Bandana boy wrote: »

2-3 litres a day is fine , you indicated you are 3 litres during your work day and not able to function without it .

4 litres + would be considered dangerous for somebody with a sedentary job in 24 hours.
Not being able to function without excessive water would suggest an underlying condition , this can sometimes be an indicator for Diabetes.

i would get it checked out , sure whats the harm .

Guidelines say we should be drinking 4+ litres per day so not sure where you are getting the "dangerous"

I never said I couldn't function, I just like to have drinking water at hand to keep hydrated and not be thirsty - its a habit at this stage too and its almost only sparkling water I drink too as I like the hit in the throat from it.

I don't drink near as much water in the evening btw, its more a thing I do at the desk while working. I don't have diabetes, end of story.

Technocentral

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Its a common rule in customer facing jobs.

Keep your water bottle with your lunch. Use it on you break time, not your working time.

Complete and utter nonsense, were you Stasi in a previous life?

Odelay

Technocentral wrote: »

Complete and utter nonsense, were you Stasi in a previous life?

It is common in several jobs. Nothing strange about it.

jmayo

Gamer Bhoy 89 wrote: »

I work in a tourist location and my job at the moment is to, essentially, play "bouncer" at the public toilets for 8 hours. I'm allowed half an hour for my lunch break and one 10min break in the morning.

But in between all that I'm just sitting here.

So you have one ocassion in morning and then lunch couple of hours later over a 8 hours stretch to get a drink.
That is bullcr** to be pulling claiming you can't have a drink with you.

Also are you not allowed any break in afternoon ?

Gamer Bhoy 89 wrote: »

I am supervising a toilet block. I'm sitting using my phone while I'm here. I got more ****e for having water than I did having my phone. I am not far from a toilet if i need to go. And all i am doing is sanitising a bathroom when two people use it.

If I need to go, you blink and you miss it.

So are you outside ?

If so you have right to hydration in summer and remind her of health and safety if she get bolshie.
Use the old EU working time directive ...

Article 31: Fair and just working conditions
1. Every worker has the right to working conditions which respect his or her health, safety and dignity.


And someone comparing this to a barman not having a water bottle on him is a bit disingenuous since the barman is surrounded by drink of all descriptions including running water.

MonkstownHoop

Water always allowed for staff where i work in retail, and given current circumstances water is given to staff on a regular basis, staying hydrated and as healthy as possible is key

Technocentral

Odelay wrote: »

It is common in several jobs. Nothing strange about it.

It's the 21st Century ffs

Mrs OBumble

Technocentral wrote: »

Complete and utter nonsense, were you Stasi in a previous life?

I've worked in Debenham's, McDonalds, a couple of small cafes, conference registration desk etc. None of which allowed staff to have water bottles.

Never seen staff in Lidl, Dunnes, Tesco, with them either.

lucalux

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

I've worked in Debenham's, McDonalds, a couple of small cafes, conference registration desk etc. None of which allowed staff to have water bottles.

Never seen staff in Lidl, Dunnes, Tesco, with them either.

I have seen staff in Lidl/Aldi, Tesco, and indeed McDonald's to have water bottles beside them while on shift. Also retail shops like Penneys.

Maybe it's an enforcement thing, some managers more strict about it than others.

Ultima Thule

If wouldn't be great to see staff with water bottles in front of customers. Customer service should be perceived as effortless.

sweet_trip

Ultima Thule wrote: »

If wouldn't be great to see staff with water bottles in front of customers. Customer service should be perceived as effortless.

I suppose they shouldn't be allowed sit down either.
Absolutely bizarre. It's a toilet keeping job ffs.

People ITT telling people to go get checked out by their doctor for drinking 3 litre of water a day :rolleyes:
From my experience people who don't drink that much are unhealthy and not fit.

What if OP was diabetic though? What if they were at risk of gest stroke. What if they had numberous medical issues that would be exacerbated by being dehydrated.

You'd be done depriving a dog water. So sad many people think it's fine to treat employees like this.

Op my advice is your manager just sound's like they're trying to be bossy for no reason other than power tripping.
You should ask them why and argue you get very dehydrated etc. Argue your case.

Alternatively see can you just keep your bottle under a desk or somewhere more discreet.
I guarantee you the same manager wouldn't care if it was a bottle of coke or something.

MonkstownHoop

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

I've worked in Debenham's, McDonalds, a couple of small cafes, conference registration desk etc. None of which allowed staff to have water bottles.

Never seen staff in Lidl, Dunnes, Tesco, with them either.

They have them, maybe you just don't see them

Odelay

Technocentral wrote: »

It's the 21st Century ffs

OK a 21st century job. You try working in Intel or any of the big Pharma companies with a bottle of water and see how you last there.

JustAThought

OP - if you were sitting all day with a bottle of water in your lap maybe you are involuntarily fiddling with it and looking dubious or lounging about looking like a beach bum with it, or are so dazed and laid back she thinks it might be gin/vodka!

Sounds like an awful job - but arn’t all museums/galleries/OPW sites etc - tourist locations closed all summer - how can you have been manning a 2 man tourist toilet?

Tork

They probably have decent facilities for staff so they don't need to have bottled water with them. OP, just keep your water bottle out of sight and you'll be reet.

punisher5112

I'd be requesting toilet breaks, water to be dropped over and if not then I'd be getting onto the HSE or wrc

jackboy

Odelay wrote: »

OK a 21st century job. You try working in Intel or any of the big Pharma companies with a bottle of water and see how you last there.

A pharma company I worked for gave every employee a good one litre water bottle for drinking water at work.

Technocentral

Odelay wrote: »

OK a 21st century job. You try working in Intel or any of the big Pharma companies with a bottle of water and see how you last there.

The world is changing, 19th Century Dickensian thinking being left behind, only a total twat would object to a worker drinking water.

Dr Bob

Odelay wrote: »

It is common in several jobs. Nothing strange about it.

yeah , but those jobs all exist in the 1950s

Dr Bob

jackboy wrote: »

A pharma company I worked for gave every employee a good one litre water bottle for drinking water at work.

Wife worked for a couple of Pharma companies over the years , I worked for a couple of large computer manufacturers (albeit a bit longer ago) and I can confirm this. Unless you're in a clean room or something similar it's a non issue.

Technocentral

punisher5112 wrote: »

I'd be requesting toilet breaks, water to be dropped over and if not then I'd be getting onto the HSE or wrc

I'd sit there with an IV of H2O in my arm.

Technocentral

Dr Bob wrote: »

Wife worked for a couple of Pharma companies over the years , I worked for a couple of large computer manufacturers (albeit a bit longer ago) and I can confirm this. Unless you're in a clean room or something similar it's a non issue.

As we can all see from the various movements around the World young people not taking 19th Century thinking anymore, about time too.

Tig98

True about customer facing jobs, but it's only ever been addressed to me as be discrete about it. Don't drink it when you're about to interact with a customer, don't have it glaringly obvious like on the counter or in your hand when youre not actively using it.

The supervisor is 200% a dick if they want it gone altogether, juts try being more subtle about using it and see how that goes