Running a janitorial service can be demanding, and it’s a constant challenge for owners to deliver exceptional service while maintaining profitability. These challenges are magnified when you consider the need to balance risks related to commercial automobiles, property damage, equipment breakdowns, crime and inland marine exposures.
The list below provides an overview of these risks and more—helping you identify potential blind spots in your risk management and insurance programs:
Commercial Automobile
Due to the frequent travel required for janitorial services to reach job sites, commercial automobile exposures are significant. Driver fatigue, hazardous weather conditions and distractions can lead to accidents.
Just one accident can be extremely costly, as expenses related to vehicle repairs and bodily injuries can add up quickly. What’s more, if you allow employees to use their own vehicles for work, standard auto policies are often not enough.
General Liability
In the event that an injury occurs at a work site after being serviced by your business, you may be held responsible. A simple wet floor could cause slips, trips and falls that may lead to costly lawsuits or insurance settlements.
Additionally, a client may claim that property was damaged by your employee, and even a frivolous lawsuit could cost valuable time and resources. General liability coverage can help cover any associated medical or legal costs related to these risks.
Property
Natural disasters and equipment malfunctions put the offices of janitorial services at risk of property damage.
In extreme events, property damage could even cause costly long-term closures during which you are unable to fulfill your contracts. This risk is worsened by the presence of large supplies of cleaning solutions and solvents that could pose a potential fire hazard.
Equipment Breakdown
Janitorial work depends on a variety of different equipment (e.g., mops, buffers, polishers, vacuum cleaners, wet and dry vacuums, and power tools), creating significant equipment breakdown exposures as a result. Equipment breakdown coverage can help cover the repair or replacement cost in the event of a breakdown.
Find out more:
This list is not exhaustive and there are other exposures that janitorial service providers should consider. Assessing your exposures and taking the appropriate precautions can go a long way toward protecting your business. Download our “Common Exposures for Janitorial Services” info sheet for an in-depth guide of more ways to minimize gaps in your risk management:
