General Liability Insurance: Your First Check
Every professional commercial cleaning company in Ontario should carry general liability insurance, typically $2 million minimum. This protects your business if the cleaning company causes property damage or if someone is injured on your premises. Always ask for a certificate of insurance before signing a contract with any cleaning provider.
General liability insurance covers accidents like a cleaner knocking over expensive equipment or a wet floor causing a slip. Without this coverage, your business could be held liable for incidents caused by an outside contractor. Reputable cleaning companies provide proof of insurance willingly.
WSIB Coverage: Required in Ontario
WSIB coverage is mandatory for cleaning companies in Ontario. Without it, your business could be liable if a cleaner is injured on your premises. GTA Scrub maintains active WSIB coverage for all employees. Always verify WSIB clearance with your cleaning provider before service begins.
WSIB protects both the cleaning company and you, the client. If an injured cleaner cannot work, WSIB provides income replacement and medical benefits. Without WSIB coverage, the client could be sued directly for workplace injuries. This is a non-negotiable requirement for any professional cleaning company.
Bonding: Protection Against Theft
Bonding covers your business in the rare event of theft by a cleaning employee. Not all cleaning companies are bonded. For GTA businesses in financial services, medical offices, or retail with high-value inventory, working with a bonded cleaning company provides critical protection and peace of mind.
Employee theft is rare but can be devastating. Bonding provides financial protection and also demonstrates that the cleaning company has conducted proper background checks on their employees. Most insurance companies require thorough screening before issuing bonds.
Employee Screening and Training Practices
Ask how the cleaning company screens employees. Reputable companies conduct criminal background checks and provide comprehensive training. GTA Scrub conducts background checks on every team member and provides ongoing training in cleaning protocols, safety procedures, and customer service.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
When evaluating commercial cleaners in the GTA, ask: 1) Can you provide proof of insurance and WSIB? 2) Are employees bonded and background-checked? 3) Do you assign dedicated teams? 4) What quality assurance system do you use? 5) Can you provide references from similar businesses? 6) What happens if we're not satisfied with a clean? A reputable company will answer all of these questions clearly and provide documentation.
