Menstrual Health in the Workplace 

Supporting menstrual health at work shouldn't be an afterthought.

ISO 45010 Overview

The guidelines can be divided into four categories. Under each category, there are some examples of activities your workplace can adopt.

  • Physical Aspects of Work

    Menstrual-friendly toilets, uniform design, menstrual product access, temperature control.

  • Policy Guidance & Practice

    Manager trainings, menstrual leave, engagement with relevant regional or national policies.

  • Supportive Workplace Cultures

    Awareness-building, educational resources, informal perr networks.

  • Job Design

    Micro-leave, flexible working arrangements, considering how menstruation affects employees in roles involving Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or long periods of standing.

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Pads Down Under is an independent supplier of menstrual care products and is not affiliated with or endorsed by ISO. Our products can support practical workplace initiatives but do not constitute certification or guarantee conformity with ISO 45010.

 Workplace Menstrual Health Checklist 

STEP 1
Have we consulted employees about their menstrual health needs?

STEP 2
Are toilets clean, private and easily accessible?

STEP 3
Can employees access period products discreetly?

STEP 4
Are suitable sanitary disposal bins available?

STEP 5
Do employees have access to appropriate breaks and workplace adjustments?

STEP 6
Are managers aware of menstrual and menopausal health considerations?

STEP 7
Do we review employee feedback and workplace facilities?

Key FAQs

Is ISO 45010 mandatory in Australia?

No. ISO 45010 is a voluntary guidance standard. It does not itself create a legal obligation to install menstrual product dispensers. Existing workplace health, safety and other legal obligations still apply.

Can my organisation become ISO 45010 certified?

ISO 45010 is not a standalone certifiable management-system standard. Organisations can implement its recommendations but should not claim ISO 45010 accreditation.

Does ISO 45010 require employers to provide free period products?

It addresses supportive workplace facilities and practices but should not be presented as imposing a universal requirement for free pads or dispensers in every toilet cubicle.

Does providing free pads make us ISO 45010 compliant?

No. Product access is one practical initiative. The guidance also covers policies, consultation, management practices, workplace culture, adjustments and evaluation.

Does ISO 45010 apply to small businesses?

Yes. It is designed to be adaptable to organisations of all sizes and sectors.

How can Pads Down Under help?

Pads Down Under offers Egal Pads on a Roll, designed to provide discreet access to individually wrapped menstrual pads inside toilet cubicles. Organisations can assess suitability through our 30-day pilot program.

Where can I read the standard?

ISO provides the full standard in read-only form through its Online Browsing Platform. Downloadable or printed editions may be purchased separately.