Your cleaning services business depends on its employees in order to deliver the expert services that your company has built its reputation on. Whether you have two employees or twenty, your staff keeps your operations running smoothly and helps ensure your clients are satisfied with your business’s performance.
But no matter the extent of your employees’ training or experience, accidents happen all the time. And because your employees conduct most of their work away from your business’s office, they may be exposed to more risks outside of your control. Without adequate insurance coverage, the injuries or illnesses your employees sustain while performing their work could be your business’s financial responsibility, including medical expenses, wage compensation, and if your employee sues, legal fees to defend your business in court.
Most states require that any businesses with W2 employees carry Workers’ Compensation Insurance. This coverage shields your business from medical expenses or lawsuits associated with the injuries or ailments your employees suffer while working. Depending on your policy, the coverage may also include foregone income that your injured or ill employee would have earned during their recovery. Keep reading to discover how Workers’ Compensation Insurance provides an essential risk-management solution for your cleaning services business.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Protecting Janitors, Maids, and Other Cleaning Services Employees
Cleaning professionals — from janitors and maids to street cleaners and property preservation workers — are exposed to unique risks each day. For example, your employees may be exposed to wet floors, which could easily lead to slips, falls, and broken bones. If your workers use toxic cleaning chemicals or pesticides, they could develop long-term illnesses due to their exposure. Should you employees need to move heavy furniture, boxes, or equipment in order to clean, they risk throwing out their backs and suffering a potentially life-long injury. Power tools could fail and cause harm, workers could sustain repetitive motion injuries from performing the same kind of work, or if your employees work in empty buildings late at night, they could also be assaulted.
Because most of these risks exist outside your realm of control, you may consider Workers’ Compensation Insurance to give your cleaning business an added layer of security if one of your employees is hurt on the job. Workers’ Compensation can cover the cost of immediate medical attention, such as an ambulance ride and visit to the ER. Depending on your policy, the coverage may also include compensation for your employee’s missed wages while they were in recovery.
Additionally, your Workers’ Compensation coverage also accounts for lawsuits brought by an employee who claims your business’s negligence or failure to provide a safe work environment caused their injury or illness. If such an event occurs, the Employer’s Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) portion of your Workers’ Comp policy will fund your legal costs, including attorney’s fees, settlement costs, and other court expenses, up to your policy limits.
As of now, most states require that businesses with employees must carry Workers’ Compensation Insurance, but the laws differ depending where your business is located. If you want to know more about your state’s laws and which Workers’ Comp policy fulfills its requirements, talk to our Cleaning Services Specialist insurance agents.
How Maids, Janitors, and Other Cleaning Services Businesses Benefit from Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Workers’ Compensation Insurance is an invaluable asset to your cleaning business’s risk-management plan. Sometimes called “Workman’s Comp” or “Workers’ Liability Insurance,” this policy ensures that your business has the funds to cover an injured or ailing employee’s medical bills and lost wages in the event of a covered claim. Plus, if your employee does sue your cleaning business for their work-related injury, the policy kicks in to cover your legal fees. Without Workers’ Comp protection, your business would have to pay out of pocket for these potentially devastating expenses.
When a lawsuit is brought against your business alleging you failed to provide a safe work environment, the Employers’ Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) included in your Workers’ Comp policy saves your business from the millions such a lawsuit could cost. Even if the claim is frivolous, you will still be covered for the expensive attorney’s fees and court costs associated with defending your business in court.
Are you ready to give your business the security of a Workers’ Comp policy? You can get a quote from Skyscraper Insurance in minutes from multiple A-rated insurance providers!
Key Details About Workers’ Compensation for Janitor, Maid, and Cleaning Services Businesses
When you’re shopping around for adequate Workers’ Compensation coverage, it’s important to bear in mind that not all policies are created equally. That’s why your best course of action is to first assess the risks your employees are most likely to face, and then search for a policy that accounts for your concerns. You may also want to note that the limits of the Employers’ Practices Liability portion can be extended by an affordable Umbrella Liability policy. Here are a few other considerations while you decide on a Workers’ Comp plan that adequately meets your business needs.
Know Your State’s Laws for Workers’ Compensation.
If your janitor, maid, or cleaning services business has W2 employees, your state probably mandates that you carry Workers’ Comp coverage. Because each state has its own specific requirements for what coverage your business needs, it’s important to know your state’s laws before you purchase a policy. For example, if your business is located in Ohio, North Dakota, Washington, or Wyoming, you’ll need to purchase coverage through the state because of their state-administered Workers’ Compensation funds.
Even if your business only has part-time workers, you may still be required by your state to include these employees under your policy’s coverage. If you’re uncertain about your state’s laws concerning Workers’ Comp, Skyscraper Insurance can answer your questions and help you determine the coverage options that comply with your state’s regulations.
Consider Excluding Yourself from Your Workers’ Comp Policy.
Depending on where your business operates, you may be able to exclude yourself from your Workers’ Compensation policy in order to save some money. However, while you weigh your options, you’ll also want to know that if you should be injured on the job or develop a work-related illness, this coverage can offset the cost of your own medical expenses, treatment, and even the wages you lost while recovering, depending on your policy. If you’re not sure which option is appropriate for you, your Skyscraper Insurance can help you learn more about the pros and cons of excluding yourself — or including yourself — in your Workers’ Comp policy.
Risk Management Tips for Janitors, Maids, and Cleaning Services Business Owners
Workers’ Compensation Insurance offers your business an essential safety net when it comes to protecting your employees and your business. Even still, this coverage should be incorporated into your overall risk management strategy and only act as a supplement for events outside of your control. With this in mind, here are a few safety precautions you may take to keep your employees safe while on the job:
- Hold training sessions with your employees about proper lifting techniques for heavy items to reduce the risk of back injuries or strains.
- Provide your employees with the proper safety gear. This may include gloves, respirators or safety masks, and protective eyewear. You’ll also want to make sure your employees know how to use cleaning solutions safely and how to protect themselves from direct exposure to toxic cleaning chemicals.
- Instruct employees in proper cleaning procedures to mitigate the risks of fumigation, slips, and other injuries. Proper training can also safeguard your employees from injuring themselves with equipment or sharp client property.
If you have other questions about Workers’ Compensation for your cleaning services business, contact Skyscraper Insurance today!