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Labour and Immigration
FAQs: Providing Menstrual Products in Manitoba Workplaces
Why should employers provide menstrual products?
Menstrual products are a basic necessity. Providing them supports workers’ dignity, enhances physical and psychological safety, and helps remove barriers for workers who menstruate.
What products must be provided by an employer?
Both menstrual pads and tampons must be made available at no cost to all workers in the workplace.
In addition, an employer must provide a covered container for the disposal of menstrual products near each toilet in a washroom.
Where must menstrual products be provided?
Menstrual products must be placed in washrooms used by workers at the workplace, regardless of whether the washrooms are designated for men, women, or universal.
Where it is not reasonably practicable to provide the products in the washroom, the products may be placed in a location that provides reasonable privacy and is accessible to workers at all times. Workers should not have to ask for products.
Are menstrual products required in public washrooms at a workplace?
No, an employer is not required to provide menstrual products to their clients or the public.
If the washroom that is used by workers can also be used by the public, this may be a circumstance where the menstrual products can be provided in an alternate location.
How many products should be made available at one time?
A supply of menstrual products must always be available at the workplace and refilled as frequently as necessary to ensure product is available when needed.
Do employers need to provide different sizes and types of tampons and pads, oris one standard size and type okay?
At least one choice of tampon and one choice of pad must be provided. Employers can choose to offer multiple types or sizes of products, but that is not required.
Are menstrual products required even when no employees currentlymenstruate?
Yes, the requirement to provide menstrual products applies.
Are special dispensers needed?
No. The employer will determine storage and dispensing method appropriate for the workplace.
What steps can a worker take if their employer does not provide menstrualproducts as required?
If an employer fails to provide menstrual products in the workplace in accordance with the Workplace Safety and Health Regulation, the worker should first communicate the issue with their supervisor, manager, or employer.
If the concern is not resolved, the worker may bring the matter to the attention of the workplace safety and health committee or workplace safety and health representative, where available. The committee or representative can raise the issue with the employer and make recommendations to ensure compliance with workplace requirements.
If the issue remains unresolved, the worker is encouraged to contact the Workplace Safety and Health Branch. Workers can reach the Branch’s intake unit at 204-957-SAFE (7233), or toll-free at 1-855-957-SAFE (7233). By selecting ‘Option 1’, they can speak with a Safety and Health Officer and provide details about the workplace concern and the employer's information.
How can a worker report an employer?
If a worker would like to report an anonymous tip or file a complaint with the Workplace Safety and Health Branch, they can contact the Branch’s intake unit at 204-957-SAFE (7233), or toll-free at 1-855-957-SAFE (7233). Select ‘Option 1’ to speak to a Safety and Health Officer and provide details about the workplace concern and the employer's information.
What are the penalties for businesses that do not comply?
The Workplace Safety and Health Act allows the Director of the Workplace Safety and Health Branch to issue an administrative penalty as one of the enforcement tools used to deter non-compliance with safety and health laws. The amount of the administrative penalty ranges from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the type and frequency of the contravention. Second and subsequent contraventions can lead to administrative penalties of $3,000 to $5,000.
When does this regulation take effect?
On March 9, 2026, amendments to the Workplace Safety and Health Regulation were published. The regulation comes into effect on September 1, 2026. The six-month transition period is intended to allow employers to purchase supplies, and where needed, dispensers and disposal containers.
Why is this change being made?
A Review Committee of employer, labour, and technical representatives met from January 2023 to November 2024 to review Manitoba’s workplace safety and health legislation. Their report was submitted to the Minister in January 2025, which included a unanimous recommendation to make menstrual products available in workplaces. More information about the recommendations can be found at: