Restroom Requirements for Farm Workers in California

Providing proper restroom facilities for farm workers isn’t just a courtesy in California, it’s the law. Whether you’re managing a small seasonal crew or a large harvest operation in the Central Valley, understanding restroom requirements can help you stay compliant, protect your workers, and avoid costly penalties.

This guide breaks down California farm worker restroom requirements in plain English and explains how portable toilets and handwashing stations are commonly used in agricultural settings.

Are Restrooms Required for Farm Workers in California?

Yes. California agricultural employers are required to provide restroom facilities for field workers. These rules apply to most farms, orchards, vineyards, and crop operations where employees are working outdoors for extended periods.

Regulations come primarily from Cal/OSHA, and enforcement increases during peak harvest seasons when inspections are more common.

If your workers are:

• Picking crops

• Thinning, pruning, or planting

• Working full shifts in fields or orchards

…you are required to provide access to restrooms and handwashing facilities.

How Many Toilets Are Required for Farm Workers?

While requirements can vary slightly based on crew size and working conditions, a commonly followed guideline is:

• At least 1 toilet for every 20 workers

• Facilities must be accessible during working hours

• Toilets must be usable, sanitary, and serviced regularly

During peak harvest, when crews expand, restroom needs often increase quickly. Planning ahead is critical.

Handwashing Stations: What’s Required?

Handwashing facilities are also required for agricultural workers, especially those handling food crops and must include:

• Potable (clean) water

• Soap

• Single-use towels

• Proper wastewater containment

In many field settings, portable handwashing stations are the most practical solution, especially where there is no running water.

Where Should Portable Toilets Be Placed in Fields?

Placement matters! Best practices include:

• Toilets located within a reasonable walking distance of work areas

• Units placed on level ground

• Easy access for servicing trucks

• Locations that don’t interfere with equipment or crop rows

If crews move between fields, toilets may need to be relocated during the season. Portable restrooms allow flexibility as work shifts across your property.

How Often Do Farm Worker Toilets Need to Be Serviced?

For most farms:

• Weekly service is standard for smaller crews

• More frequent service may be required during peak harvest, hot weather, or with larger crews

Central Valley heat can increase odor and sanitation issues quickly, making reliable servicing especially important in spring and summer.

ADA Considerations for Agricultural Worksites

Some agricultural worksites may require ADA-accessible portable toilets, particularly if:

• An employee requires accessible facilities

• The site is open to inspectors or the public

• The operation includes shared facilities

ADA units provide:

• Wider doors

• Interior handrails

• Wheelchair accessibility

Including at least one ADA unit is often a smart way to stay prepared and inclusive.

Common Mistakes Growers Make

Some issues that can lead to citations or complaints include:

• Not providing enough toilets for crew size

• Toilets placed too far from work areas

• Lack of handwashing stations

• Infrequent servicing during hot weather

• Waiting too late to book during harvest season

Portable toilet availability can become limited during peak agricultural months, so early planning matters.

Portable Toilets for Seasonal & Harvest Crews

Portable restroom rentals are the most common solution for:

• Spring planting crews

• Summer thinning and maintenance

• Fall harvest labor

• Short-term or rotating crews

They work well for farms because they:

• Don’t require water or sewer hookups

• Can be moved as crews shift fields

• Scale up or down as labor needs change

Serving Central Valley Farms

At SWIFT Site Rentals, we help farms throughout Stanislaus and Tuolumne Counties stay compliant and prepared during planting and harvest season.

We provide:

• Portable toilets for field crews

• ADA-accessible units

• Handwashing stations

• Reliable servicing during peak agricultural months

Whether you’re planning ahead for berry season or responding to a sudden increase in labor, we can help you set up quickly and correctly.

Get a Quote for Farm Worker Restroom Rentals

👉 Contact SWIFT Site Rentals today for a fast, local quote. We understand Central Valley farms and the demands of agricultural work.