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By: Shane Sanchez
Introduction
In today's fast-paced world, maintaining a clean and safe environment is essential for any company. Whether you run a hotel or apartment complex, partnering with a reliable janitorial service provider is crucial.
However, not all cleaning companies are created equal. One of the most significant distinctions is whether a provider is registered and licensed. This blog post explores the potential dangers of partnering with non-registered janitorial service providers in California
What is the California Janitorial Registration
The Property Service Workers Protection Act, enacted in 2018, is commonly referred to as the Janitor Bill. This act requires every janitorial services provider with one or more employees and one or more janitorial workers to register with the Labor Commissioner’s Office and renew the registration annually.
The authorities designed the janitorial registration to protect workers' rights by requiring service providers to meet state and industry standards. Unregistered companies pose significant risks, including legal liabilities, operational disruptions, and reputational damage.
Risks of Working with Non-Registered Janitorial Companies
Legal Liabilities: Non-registered companies may not adhere to state regulations, leading to potential legal issues and fines. Clients can be held responsible for the damages of a non-registered provider.
Operational Disruptions: Unregistered companies might not follow industry best practices or safety standards, leading to operational issues and subpar service quality. This can result in disruptions to business operations and potential property damage.
Reputation Damage: Partnering with non-registered service providers can harm your business’s reputation. Clients and stakeholders may view your company as negligent. This can erode trust and negatively impact your brand’s image.
Verifying Janitorial Registration with the California Janitorial Registry
The California Janitorial Registry is a valuable tool for verifying the registration status of contract service providers. Here’s how to use it:
Access the Registry: Visit the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) website and navigate to the Janitorial Registration section.
Search for Providers: Use the search function to look up the janitorial service providers you are considering. You can search by company name, location, or other identifying details.
Review Registration Details: The registry will provide information on whether the service provider is properly registered and in good standing. Verify that their registration is current and compliant with state regulations.
Check for Compliance Reports: Review any compliance reports or notices associated with the provider. This will help you assess their adherence to industry standards and regulations.
The Real-World Impact of Partnering with Non-Registered Janitorial Service Providers
Here are two real-world examples that show the serious risks businesses take when they choose non-compliant cleaning companies.
Unregrigsted Contractor Fails to Pay AT&T Janitors Overtime
Janitors at an AT&T campus near LAX claimed they were owed hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid overtime, as they were hired through unregistered contractors.
This situation arose from the involvement of unregistered contractors who failed to adhere to labor laws and wage regulations. The case highlights the operational and financial risks of hiring non-compliant commercial cleaning services, such as potential lawsuits, back wages, and penalties
Unpaid Wages at Superior Grocery Stores
The state is investigating unpaid wages owed to janitors who cleaned Superior grocery stores in Southern California. This ongoing case points to the potential for significant financial and reputational damage when businesses use unregistered janitorial providers.
In both cases, the companies are dealing with the financial consequences of working with an unregistered provider. This is a cost that can easily be avoided with proper due diligence.
Is Your Janitorial Provider Insured?
It is time to start asking your contractor the right questions. Take the steps today to verify that your janitorial provider is registered.
Here are several steps you can take to verify the insurance status of your janitorial provider:
Verify Registration Status: Use the California Janitorial Registry to check the registration status of your current and prospective janitorial service providers.
Review Compliance Reports: Ensure that providers adhere to state regulations and industry standards by reviewing compliance reports.
Monitor Registration Continuously: Implement ongoing monitoring to stay informed about any changes in your providers' registration status.
These steps can help you make sure your janitorial service provider is adequately insured, protecting your business from potential financial and legal liabilities.
CSG-The Right Partner for Your Business
At CSG, we offer more than just commercial cleaning services we provide peace of mind.
CSG is registered and insured, protecting you from potential liabilities. We are committed to delivering service excellence, with a team of trained professionals dedicated to meeting your unique needs.
Contact CSG today to experience the difference that professionalism can make.
Resources
California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). (2024). Janitorial Registration. Retrieved from DIR website.
Janitorial Registry Search Tool: https://cadir.my.salesforce-sites.com/RegistrationSearch
Hanna, E., & Herlick, R. (Eds.). (2020). California Workers' Compensation Law. Rassp & Herlick.
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