5 Ways to Lower Worker's Comp Costs in Your Cleaning Company

Jean Hanson

Janitorial companies pay some of the highest worker's compensation rates due to the high rate of accidents. The premium you pay is partly out of your control, as the rate is based on the type of industry you're in, and the state in which your business is located.

However you do have some control in the premium you pay, if you make safety a priority in your company. Here are five ways to do this:

1. Manufacturers are now making safer products (chemicals that are less harmful, and equipment that is more ergonomic), so take safety into consideration when making your purchases.  
2. Reduce your employee turnover rate. High turnover generally means higher accident rates because employers have either not had the time to train new employees on the importance of safety, or they don't place a high enough importance on new employee training programs. High turnover is not an excuse for not providing safety training.  
3. Create or buy a safety training program and make sure every new employee is trained; but don't stop there. Ongoing training of all employees is critical to maintaining safety awareness and reducing accidents in the workplace.  
4. Track accidents and near-misses. Chances are you'll see a pattern of where the higher risks are in your company. Provide additional training in the high-risk areas and you'll see a reduction in accidents and near-misses as a result.  
5. Make a commitment to safety and mean it! It all starts at the top and trickles down. If you want a culture of safety in your company, then you must set the example and gain commitment from your managers and supervisors. When they are on board, it will be easier to get all employees on board.

   When a janitorial company is committed to safety, all employees are more aware of their surroundings and report unsafe conditions and possible problem areas. Do not ignore the danger signals and do not ignore your employees when they report a potential unsafe conditions. Take action immediately. Also be consistent with your efforts to improve safety in your company. It takes time to see results, but they will come if you stay focused and stay committed.

   
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Jean Hanson helps owners of commercial cleaning companies build a more profitable and successful cleaning business through her online community at TheJanitorialStore.com. Jean is also the host of the popular Web TV show CleaningBiz.tv and author of the newsletter Trash Talk - sign up today!