SafeWork SA investigating McDonald’s West Lakes store after SDA claims breaches of Work Health and Safety Act

An Adelaide McDonald’s store has come under investigation after explosive claims it is denying young workers access to water and toilet breaks.

A McDonald’s store in Adelaide’s west has come under fire after explosive claims workers have been denied access to water and bathroom breaks during shifts. Artwork: Leon Georgiou

A McDonald’s store in Adelaide’s west has come under fire after explosive claims workers have been denied access to water and bathroom breaks during shifts.

Union representatives from the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) entered the McDonald’s West Lakes premises on December 4, 2024 – under the Work Health and Safety Act – to investigate the alleged contraventions reported by workers to the union.

SDA Secretary Josh Peak blasted the global fast food giant, calling the allegations “deplorable”. Photos by Kelly Barnes

The SDA investigation, lodged with SafeWork SA, claims workers have been told they cannot keep water at their workstations and have instead been instructed to “store it in the crew room and request permission to leave their workstation for a drink or bathroom break”.

The report continues: “When the service is busy, requests for breaks are often denied, with workers told to “wait” until demand eases, which can take a long time.

“Workers report management calling them “annoying” for asking for water or bathroom access.”

The SDA report also claims that one worker was denied the ability to take necessary medication during their shifts.

SDA secretary Josh Peak blasted the global fast food giant, calling the allegations “deplorable”.

“This behaviour is unlawful,” he said of the claims.

“It is unsafe to be denying workers drinks. It’s unsafe to be denying workers access to the toilet.

“To even put a series of controls on it, that means that workers feel like they need to ask for permission every single time they want to have a drink, that means that they’re less likely to access that and that is a huge risk to their health.”

While Mr Peak said minor infractions of workplace rights were common within the sector, the alleged infractions committed by McDonald’s in this instance were “extreme”.

A SafeWork SA spokesperson said their inspectors had undertaken two visits to McDonald’s West Lakes, following the SDA report, and that the matter was currently under review. Picture: Google Street view

“This is a really clear example of workers, but particularly young workers, being denied fundamental rights that shouldn’t be questioned by any employer, let alone the largest employer of young Australians,” he said.

“If these allegations are proven through the investigation [by SafeWork SA], it would be quite a clear breach of the Work Health and Safety Act, and McDonald’s should be prosecuted for that breach.

A SafeWork SA spokesperson said their inspectors had undertaken two visits to McDonald’s West Lakes, following the SDA report, and that the matter was currently under review.

In a statement from McDonald’s Australia to The Advertiser, a spokesperson said that they are “committed to providing safe and respectful workplaces” for staff.

“Our crew are able to access water and amenities throughout their shift, as needed,” they said.

“In accordance with food safety regulations, drink bottles are not allowed in food preparation or customer service areas.

“SafeWork SA contacted McDonald’s West Lakes in November 2024.

“No recommendations were made to rectify or remedy any issues.

“The union made us aware that they had received contact from a crew member, and have yet to provide us with further details or seek a formal response.”

It’s not the first time the West Lakes premises has been under report.

The SDA investigated the restaurant in February 2024, while floor tiles were reported to be loose and covered in “thick” oil posing a tripping hazard – with one worker falling and breaking their arm in August 2023.

SafeWork SA did not disclose the outcome of the case.

Originally published as SafeWork SA investigating McDonald’s West Lakes store after SDA claims breaches of Work Health and Safety Act