What the federal standard says in general terms
OSHA's construction sanitation standard (29 CFR 1926.51) requires toilet facilities on construction sites. As a broad summary, a site with 20 or fewer workers needs at least one toilet, and larger crews need one toilet seat and one urinal per 40 workers, with a lower ratio for very large crews. The rule also contains exceptions, for example for mobile crews with transportation to nearby facilities. The standard also addresses washing facilities, drinking water, and servicing.
Read the current standard directly at osha.gov, because it is the authoritative text. New Jersey public-work projects, union agreements, and owner or general-contractor specifications can add requirements.
Practical points for contractors
- Count peak workforce, not average workforce
- Place units where all trades can reach them without leaving the site for a long walk
- Provide handwashing next to toilets
- Keep a service schedule and keep records if the contract asks for them
- Include accessible units where the project or owner requires them
- Plan for relocation as work phases shift
A worked example: a growing crew
For example, suppose a project starts with a small crew in the early weeks and ramps up when several trades overlap. The unit count that fits the first month may not fit month three. A good habit is to map the expected workforce phase by phase, check the current standard and your contract for what each phase requires, and ask your provider how adding or relocating units works as the job grows. Do not wait until the day the crew doubles.
Documents and sources to check
- The current text of the OSHA construction sanitation standard, read directly from the source
- Your contract, general-contractor specifications, and owner requirements, which may add conditions
- Any public-work or prevailing-requirement documents if the project is publicly funded
- Your company's safety plan and site-specific safety manager
- Local municipal conditions affecting where units can sit, such as street or sidewalk placement
New Jersey site realities
- Tight urban lots and in-fill sites often leave little room, so planning placement early avoids moving units repeatedly
- Freeze-thaw cycles can make temporary access roads soft or icy, which affects servicing; see our winter guide
- Sites near busy roads or the shore may have limited delivery windows
- Phased work means units may need to move as areas are closed or opened
Common mistakes on site
- Basing the plan on the average crew rather than the peak
- Placing units far from active work areas, so workers avoid them or lose time
- Leaving handwashing as an afterthought
- Not keeping service records when the contract asks for them
- Assuming a general rule overrides stricter contract language
- Blocking units with materials or equipment as the site fills up
Questions to ask any provider
- How does adding or relocating units mid-project work?
- What records of servicing can you provide?
- What access does your service vehicle need on this site?
- Can handwashing be supplied alongside the toilets? See handwashing stations.
Planning with us
When you call us, tell us your peak headcount, the number of months, and any special requirements in your contract. We will suggest a unit count and a service schedule to discuss with your safety lead. Start with our construction rental page.
Published 2026-10-01. This guide is general information, not legal or engineering advice.