4 Risks Of Cleaning Your Own Business

When weighing the pros and cons of your company’s cleaning service, the most crucial consideration is that of the many risks and liabilities that may come about if you should choose not to outsource your needs.

At the top of the list of the most common risk to date associated with work areas that are not sufficiently maintained is that of a slip-and-fall injury. Many think that these types of accidents are primarily suffered by customers, when in reality, it is the inexperienced custodial staff when they encounter wet surfaces, move heavy objects, or even climb on ladders.

 Another factor to be taken into consideration is the constant leaning, twisting, and bending that is commonly associated with many cleaning tasks, that can in time possibly lead to back injuries.  When the company decides to assign their cleaning and janitorial needs to their staff members, they are actually placing not only the employees but the organizations at risk.

With this in mind, it is best to consider the following presented factors before you decide to have one of your employees pick up that dustpan and cleaning broom.

Liability Insurance

When assigning your company’s cleaning needs to your employee, you are most probably thinking about the need for liability insurance. Because of the risks that need to be considered for both your employees and your customers, insurance is a must. However, if you outsource your cleaning service, the service itself will have the correct liability coverage in place. Should an accident occur, such as the slip-and-fall mentioned above, the outsourced company’ insurance will provide any necessary coverage.

Worker’s Compensation

If you decide to delegate your cleaning needs to a staff member, and while performing their duties the individual is injured, then your worker’s compensation insurance will have to cover any injuries incurred while on the job. Not only will the situation cause a reduction in both the staff’s morale and productivity, but your company will be saddled with a worker’s compensation claim which could result in a drastic increase in your company’s insurance premiums.

OSHA Compliance

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set down laws and regulations that are aimed to protect workers health and safety while on the job. As a result, the proper storage, as well as the use of cleaning chemicals, are included within OSHA’s guidelines. This means there are strict regulations on how these chemicals are stored and used in the workplace. It is the responsibility of the company to make they are aware of all the laws, and not only meet but exceed all safety regulations.

Overhead Expenses

When hiring your own custodial staff, there is more involved than just paying their monthly salary. Your company will need to cover such additional costs as worker’s compensation insurance and possibly even medical benefits. There is also the expense of having to keep a stock of cleaning supplies on hand, as well as uniforms for the custodial staff.

When weighing out the possibility of outsourcing your company’s cleaning service, make sure that you factor in all the pros and the cons. Only then will you realize that outsourcing is really the only way to go.