Work Site Built Environment

The following are laws, policies, and resources that provide guidelines for the built environment at federal work sites. These policies support a variety of physical features of the work site that impact employees' ability to make healthy choices at work. Examples are using stairs instead of elevators, preparing healthy foods in equipped break rooms, avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke, and exercising in on-site fitness centers.

For further information about how the built environment affects levels of physical activity in a variety of settings, see the special report from the Transportation Research Board Does the Built Environment Influence Physical Activity [PDF-169k]?

• Federal Agency Policies
• General Services Administration (GSA) Policies
• CDC Policies

Federal Agency Policies

5 U.S.C. § 7901
Federal agency heads may establish health service programs to promote and maintain the physical and mental fitness of their employees. Authorizes agencies to establish and operate physical fitness programs and facilities designed to promote and maintain employee health, such as occupational safety and health.

41 CFR 102-79.30
States that federal agencies can allot space in federal buildings for fitness programs.

5 U.S.C. § 7905
States that federal agency heads may develop programs to encourage commuting by means other than single-occupancy motor vehicles. Includes transit passes and furnishing space, facilities, and services to bicyclists.

5 U.S.C. § 5946
Sets limits on paying membership fees or dues of federal employees in societies or associations. However, Comptroller General Decision B-240371 (Jan 18, 1991) allows agencies to pay for access to private fitness facilities for its employees as part of its health service program.

Use of Appropriated Funds to Purchase Kitchen Appliances (GAO B-302993 (June 25, 2004))
Indicates federal agencies should develop a policy to acquire refrigerators and other appliances for break rooms and should determine the usefulness of these appliances for employee health and productivity.

General Services Administration (GSA) Policies

GSA Facilities Standards
Establishes design standards and criteria for new buildings, major and minor alterations, and work in historic structures for the Public Buildings Service (PBS) of the GSA. This document contains policy and technical criteria to be used in the programming and designing of GSA buildings.

CDC Policies

Lactation Support Program [PDF-261k]
Provides education and support to CDC employees who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Includes specifications for construction of lactation rooms.

Tobacco-Free Campus Policy [PDF-184k]
Provides guidelines for tobacco use at CDC work sites.

Top of Page

---