6 Common Cleaning Business Insurance Claims And How To Avoid Them

Cleaning businesses are in a booming industry worth billions of dollars annually. Even then, as a thriving cleaning company, you must stay focused on the challenges and responsibilities of your operations! Besides maintaining a clean and safe environment for your client’s homes and offices, you must also be on top of the daily operations and safeguard the business from potential risks.  Our customized cleaning business insurance is a vital shield against unexpected incidents and the financial setbacks such mishaps may cause.

In this article, we shall touch upon typical insurance claims many cleaning businesses face. We hope you’ll gain valuable insight.

Common Damage Claims

We highlight specific scenarios where accidents can lead to losses, claims, and lawsuits that can take the wind out of your business’ sails. Knowing them will help avoid such accidents and prevent your business from sinking.

Slip and Fall Accidents

One of the common problems in the cleaning industry is slip and fall accidents. These accidents can happen when floors are still wet after cleaning, surfaces aren’t dried properly, or cleaning products leave a slippery residue. To ensure no one falls at your client’s location, make sure to put up clear wet floor signs, ensure surfaces are thoroughly dry after cleaning, and use non-slip cleaning products.

Property Damage

Accidentally damaging a client’s belongings often leads to insurance claims. This includes breaking or damaging floors, furniture, or electronics. It’s worse when these items are expensive or are antique pieces. Conduct a thorough check of the space before cleaning to keep a record of the property’s condition and any present damage. Properly train your cleaning team, stressing the importance of being careful and paying attention to detail, especially around costly or priceless pieces. This reduces the chances of causing damage to the client’s property. Even better, suggest the client put these pieces away temporarily during the cleaning process. This can eliminate the problem altogether.

Allergic Reactions or Health Concerns

Clients may claim allergic reactions or health issues from cleaning products used in their spaces. To prevent such claims:

1. Communicate with clients and ask about any allergies or sensitivities they or their family may have.
2. Whenever possible, use eco-friendly and hypoallergenic cleaning products.
3. Keep detailed records of your products in each location, allowing you to address any concerns accurately and effectively.

Theft or Misplacement

Theft or misplacement of clients’ belongings can lead to customer complaints or claims against your business. This can happen if your employees are dishonest and looking for things to steal. Therefore, it becomes essential to establish strict hiring procedures, including background checks, to ensure that the employees you hire are trustworthy and have no prior criminal record. Implement protocols for supervisors to observe staff entering and leaving the premises; no employee handbags or backpacks should be permitted while working at a job site. Maintaining transparency and accountability within your team can significantly reduce the risk of theft-related claims.

Unintended Damage to Surfaces

Sometimes, the use of inappropriate cleaning agents can result in unintended damage to surfaces such as flooring, countertops, and upholstery. This can happen due to a lack of training or using the wrong cleaning products on a surface. Ensure all products are reviewed and tested before using them in client's homes. Staff mistakes can damage your business’s reputation. Therefore, educate your cleaning staff about proper product usage and the compatibility of cleaning solutions with different surfaces. Regular, ongoing training sessions on industry best practices for your team can prevent such incidents.

Injury to Employees

Workers’ compensation claims from injuries sustained by your cleaning staff while on the job are bound to occur. Try to prevent these claims by prioritizing employee safety. This is possible with proper safety and loss prevention training in handling equipment, lifting heavy objects, and using protective gear. Regularly assessing workplace hazards and maintaining a safety culture can prevent many accidents that may harm your staff.

Conclusion

While claim types in the cleaning business can be diverse, a proactive approach to risk management is your best defense to mitigate common claims. You can significantly reduce the likelihood of insurance claims by implementing thorough training, effective communication with clients, and careful product selection.

However, it’s important to remember that accidents can happen despite your best efforts. Investing in comprehensive cleaning business insurance ensures that you have a safety net, allowing you to focus on providing exceptional cleaning services while minimizing potential financial hardships.

So, don’t wait. Just give us a call or request a quote at our website, www.insuranceadvisor.com

Frequently Asked Questions about Common Cleaning Business Insurance Claims