If you own or manage a business, you know that there are a certain amount of risks involved regarding your janitorial cleaning staff and supplies. You have to consider the possibility of accidents on site among your janitorial staff, make sure you keep your work areas free of chemical hazards, such as chemical spills, wet floors, and other situations. In addition, you many have worries about keeping your supplies out of the reach of children, pets, and others. Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind which may reduce your risk of liabilities as you work on site:

1. Train your janitorial staff well. There is nothing that can take the place of good training. Teaching your on site staff "best practices" regarding their daily job is one of the most proactive steps you can take toward reducing your liabilities in the workplace, whether your staff works in-house or off site in other locations.
2. Practice cleanliness at all times. Let's face it: the janitorial industry is a "dirty business." Keeping in mind hand-washing techniques and other practices between tasks will keep the risk of germ contamination to a minimum. People are concerned nowadays, more than ever, about the transfer of germs and bacteria in the workplace. This is partly due to the Ebola scare but also due to other concerns about such risks as Ecoli bacteria, flu, and other illnesses which are spread by cross-contamination and human transfer.
3. Keep supplies in a central location that is free from unfavorable conditions. Factors such as excessive heat, cold, or other conditions can put your janitorial staff at risk. Have a central location that is homeostatic (retains the same temperature), and is free of access from unauthorized persons. Put warning signs on doors and other areas in which supplies are kept to lower your risk of accidents and subsequent legal issues.
4. Have an understanding of your supplies and equipment. It is important to know that you are dealing with the highest quality cleaning supplies and equipment for your janitorial staff to use. You don't want them to come into contact with dangerous chemicals or have a bio-hazard occur due to a lack of information on the mixing of certain agents, and other situations. Training helps with this, but first, know your supplier and ask them any questions you have about various cleaning agents and the proper care and disposal of waste.
5. Hire licensed janitorial and custodial staff. When searching for your janitorial staff, make sure they are licensed in the proper cleaning and disposal procedures. Then, in the event of an accident, you have more of a defense due to the fact that you have licensed staff. In spite of your best intentions, accidents can still occur. If you make sure your staff is licensed, you will have less liabilities regarding possible accidents, and they are also less likely to occur.

If you follow these tips, it may not keep occasional mishaps from happening. But it will go a long way toward keeping your business free from legal action in the event of a disaster or hazard. Mistakes do happen. But start with getting the best cleaning supplies from a reputable supplies dealer. Then make sure you hire only certified cleaning staff, and document any issues. These steps should help you stay free of legal concerns in the event of a problem.