The ABCs Of Protecting A Cleaning Business By: Deb Denker Author provides an education in insurance matters. O Often, building service contractors (BSCs) work after hours and out of sight. However, when something goes wrong, such as an accident that results in unexpected costs or legal action, they are likely to feel an unwelcomed spotlight of concern from their customers. What Can Go Wrong “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” Commonly known as Murphyʼs Law, this old adage tells us we always need to take precau-tions. There are several examples of things that can go wrong. A building tenant may come in at an unexpect-ed time, encounter a wet spot on the floor left from mopping, fall and become injured. An employee may accidentally lose building keys, causing your customer to demand that you cover the cost of changing locks and buying new keys. A bathroom countertop may inadvertently be damaged by a corrosive cleaning product applied by your employee. An employee sent to purchase additional supplies may become involved in a car accident, either in his/her own auto-mobile or in a company vehicle. The costs to resolve these types of scenarios — either by paying for damages or hiring a lawyer to fight a lawsuit — can be excessive. Thatʼs why help from an independent insurance agent and having a comprehensive insurance pro-gram with coverage specifically designed for build-ing service contractors is critical. A-B-C of Protection “A” stands for the coverage that “all” businesses need. All businesses carry some form of insurance, either mandated by law or because it makes sense. General liability, for example, insures your com-pany against liability for injuries or damages that arise out of the operation of your business. For instance, if someone slips and falls because one of your workers has stretched a vacuum cleaner cord across a pathway, you could be sued for damages. General liability coverage helps you settle the claim or defends you in court if the accident was not related to your operations. Workersʼ compensation is required by all states and companies with employees must carry work-ersʼ compensation insurance. Deb Denker is the industry manager for building services contractors for Travelers Commercial Accounts. for more info Visit www.cmmonline.com and type in search keyword: Liability . For more information on related products, visit www.cmmonline.com , select SUPPLIER SEARCH from the main navigation bar, and enter keyword: Insurance . Lawsuits can be devastating for an improperly insured facility. 36 CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® • November 2009
CMM – Archives Nov 2009: 36
