Implementing Janitorial Safety Training Amid a Pandemic

In addition to advising your cleaning services clients about adequate janitorial insurance coverage, you want to remind them of other ways to minimize their risks, too. Encouraging clients to implement proper janitorial safety training is one way to reduce the chances of legal claims. Maintaining regular education during a pandemic is more challenging but perhaps even more crucial.

What Are Some Essential Janitorial Safety Tips?

Some fundamental practices your clients should enforce:

• Personal protective equipment
• Frequent hand-washing
• Safety screenings
• Adequate ventilation
• Reduced exposure by having fewer people on a job
• Compliance with local guidelines regarding COVID-19

What Are Best Practices for Virtual Training?

Fortunately, technology provides many options for communicating virtually. Cleaning businesses can educate employees through websites, YouTube videos, and video chat platforms. Consider the following aspects of an effective digital training program:

• Existing programs:Your clients can save time by researching and incorporating training systems that are already available online. It is essential to ensure the materials are a good fit for the company and cover the crucial elements. Managers can then supplement with additional information if needed.
• A practical focus: Spending time detailing the composition of chemical cleaners does not provide working value to employees. Instead, training should teach the proper procedures for handling chemicals and what to do if they contact eyes or skin.
• Understandable materials:Your clients should ensure the format of education materials is easy to learn and put into practice.
• Explanation-based learning:Telling staff members why they cannot do something helps them understand the significance of the protocols. Employees are more likely to follow directives when they know what the potential dangers are.
• Active training:While computer education plays the primary role during a pandemic, have your clients look for ways to incorporate live training as well. Setting up a safely distanced walk-through of a facility to physically observe hazards and watch live demonstrations of procedures may help solidify learning. Companies may have to hold several smaller sessions rather than one large one, but these hands-on opportunities will reduce safety risks for your clients.
• On-the-job instruction:Providing new team members with shadowing opportunities is essential before having them work alone. Seasoned employees can point out safety issues while working and answer any questions new trainees may have.

How Can Janitorial Businesses Protect Themselves From Safety Concerns?

Cleaning services need to have janitorial insurance to safeguard them from the possibility of financial losses stemming from legal claims. However, preventing safety issues is also a crucial factor. Comprehensive education programs include what areas to clean, how to clean them, and why safety procedures are essential. There are many online resources, checklists, and tools available from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration that address safety procedures for janitorial businesses.

Minimizing potential hazards for cleaning services mitigates potential lawsuit risks and helps ensure the health and safety of employees and others within the buildings they clean.

About Tangram Insurance Services

Located across the Golden Gate Bridge, just outside of San Francisco, Tangram Insurance Services is a full-service Managing General Underwriter and Program Manager offering specialty programs. We focus on industry-relevant coverage, competitive pricing, and practical business and risk management solutions for your clients. Since we are not all things to all people, we make sure to create outstanding custom-built solutions that matter to those businesses, and the brokers who serve those industries. Contact us at (888) 744-9810.