Doubling Down on Safety in California’s Janitorial Industry

Author, Jeremy Hoolihan, Partner, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

For those that run janitorial businesses in California, you have probably heard the news that workers’ compensation rates are on the rise. Insurance Commissioner Lara recently approved a recommended rate increase of 8.7% on average across all classification codes effective September 1st 2025.  For the janitorial industry specifically, the pure premium increase was 11%. These increases will result in higher costs for employers across the board.

In the janitorial industry, where the work is physically demanding and full of potential hazards, these rate increases hit especially hard. But the good news is, with a strong focus on workplace safety, you can help keep your claims down and your premiums more manageable.

The Most Common Claims

The janitorial industry has a unique set of risks that contribute to its workers’ compensation claims, including:

• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Wet floors, cluttered hallways, and stairs can lead to sprains, fractures, and plenty of lost days.

• Lifting and Overexertion: Heavy and improper lifting can cause painful back, shoulder, or knee injuries.

• Repetitive Motion Injuries: Tasks such as mopping, vacuuming, or scrubbing can result in repetitive strain injuries over time. Common injuries include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and chronic back pain.

• Chemical Exposure: Regular use of cleaning agents like bleach, ammonia, and disinfectants can lead to rashes, eye irritation, or respiratory issues if workers are not properly protected.

• Cuts and Punctures: Broken glass and sharp edges can cause injuries. While often less severe, these incidents occur frequently and can result in infections.

 The Most Severe Claims

Some injuries may be less frequent but carry a much higher price tag. For example:

• Fall From Heights: Janitors who use ladders are at a higher risk of serious injuries such as fractures, head trauma, or spinal damage.

• Severe Back Injuries: Herniated discs or spinal injuries can sideline an employee for months or even end their career.

• Severe Chemical Exposure: Accidents with strong cleaning agents can cause permanent lung or eye damage.

These types of injuries not only impact your employee’s health, they also drive up insurance costs and are a big factor in the rate increases we are seeing.

Mitigating Common and Severe Claims

Maintaining a safe workplace is not just about compliance, it is also a financial strategy. Fewer claims and losses over time will help you control your premiums even in a rising rate environment.

A few key risk mitigation strategies include:

• Prevent Slips and Falls: Place “wet floor” signs immediately when mopping. Use slip resistant shoes and ensure adequate floor mats are in place.

• Teach Smart Lifting: Provide training on proper body mechanics and lifting methods.  Use carts or dollies instead of manual lifting whenever possible. Encourage team lifting for heavy or bulky objects.

• Reduce Repetitive Strain: Rotate tasks to reduce strains. Provide ergonomic tools such as lightweight mops, backpack vacuums, and adjustable handles.

• Protect Against Chemicals: Train employees on safe handling, storage, and mixing of cleaning agents. Make PPE (i.e., gloves, safety glasses, and masks) non-negotiable. And maintain clear Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all products.

• Stay Sharp About Sharps: Provide puncture resistant gloves and safe disposal containers for broken glass or needles. Also train employees on safe handling procedures.

Develop a workplace safety program. Rancho Mesa’s SafetyOne™ platform is designed to administer an effective workplace safety program to ensure employees are getting the proper safety training, identifying hazards before an incident occurs, and investigating incidents to ensure they don’t happen in the future.

Final Takeaway

The reality is that workers’ compensation rates are firming in California. Your employees are your most valuable assets. By paying close attention to the most common risks and putting preventive measures in place, you will not only keep those employees safe but will also help minimize your frequency and severity of claims. The result will be fewer disruptions, lower expenses, and a more efficient business. 

The Value of Safety Committees in Human Services Organizations

Author, Jack Marrs, Associate Account Executive, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

Human services organizations operate in challenging environments. Staff regularly work in close contact with individuals who may have physical, cognitive, or behavioral needs. This can involve lifting and transferring clients, managing unpredictable situations, or navigating unfamiliar environments. National data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that these situations elevate the risk of workplace injuries.

The BLS data confirms the healthcare and social assistance sector has some of the highest injury rates across all industries, with 4.5 nonfatal cases per 100 full-time workers in 2022. While some risk is unavoidable in this field, many of the most common injuries are preventable and that’s where safety committees can make a powerful impact.

Role of a Safety Committee

Safety committees are internal teams that meet regularly to discuss hazards, evaluate recent injuries and near misses, and implement steps to prevent injuries from happening in the first place. They often bring together staff and management from different departments to proactively create a formal structure for addressing workplace safety.

Organizations with engaged safety committees experience fewer claims, lower insurance costs, and stronger relationships with their employees. Safety committees are not just about checking a box, they help create a safe work environment in a way that becomes part of the organization’s culture.

Benefits of an Active Safety Committee

Having an active safety committee comes with several benefits that support both the organization and its employees. Some examples are:

• Fewer workplace injuries. One of the most significant benefits of having a safety committee is a reduction in workplace injuries. Over time, committees will begin to identify trends, like repeated lifting injuries or slips in common areas, and respond by recommending lifting trainings or suggest that employees need to wear nonslip shoes. When these improvements are implemented and reinforced, injury rates often decline significantly.

• Insurance savings. Insurance carriers pay close attention to how seriously an organization takes safety. An active safety committee that documents meetings, follows through on recommendations, and tracks results can improve underwriting outcomes when presented by the broker.

• Improved staff morale and retention. Employees like to feel heard. When staff see leadership taking action on safety issues they have raised, whether it is adding nonslip shoes, improving lighting, or increasing trainings, it fosters trust. And, in a field where burnout and turnover are high, trust matters.

• Regulatory compliance. Under OSHA’s General Duty Clause, employers are responsible for maintaining a workplace free from recognized hazards. A safety committee helps fulfill this obligation and can serve as documentation of due diligence during audits or inspections. In California and several other states, safety committees may also play a role in meeting state-specific requirements related to workers' compensation or injury prevention plans.

Best Practices for Human Services Settings

To be effective, a safety committee needs more than just good intentions. The most successful ones follow key practices:

• Balanced membership. Include management and frontline workers. Direct support staff often have the insight into daily risk and often have ideas to prevent injuries.

• Consistent meetings. Monthly or quarterly meetings keeps safety on the forefront of your mind. Sporadic meetings will not lead to lasting results.

• Review of incidents and near misses. Analyze both what went wrong and what almost went wrong. These near misses are also important to document and put steps in place so an injury does not occur in the future.

• Site walkthroughs. Physically inspecting locations can uncover hazards that are not easily visible on paper.

• Clear documentation. Keep meeting minutes, assign follow-ups, and track progress. This level of detail not only improves accountability, it can also support insurance or OSHA documentation if needed.

If you are just starting out, OSHA has a resources for effective health and safety committees along with many other state and national safety organizations.

For human services organizations, safety is more than checking a box, it is essential to long-term stability. Fewer injuries mean fewer claims, which leads to less disruption, and a stronger team. A well-run safety committee is a low-cost strategy that leads to a safer work environment and a cost savings outcome.

To learn more about how Rancho Mesa can support your safety committee’s efforts, contact me at (619) 486-6569 or jmarrs@ranchomesa.com.

Construction Safety Week 2025

Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.

From May 5th – 9th, 2025 businesses across the country have the opportunity to participate in the annual Construction Safety Week. Since 2014, Construction Safety Week has been providing companies with free resources to help promote a culture of safety in the industry. For employers, this is a chance to focus on jobsite safety and make a continued commitment to keeping your employees free from harm.

Daily Safety Trainings

Alongside the number of free resources available through the initiative, Construction Safety Week provides daily safety training in English, Spanish, and French. The Daily Topics are built around this year’s theme All in Together, meant to emphasize the entire industry’s dedication to safety.

Monday, May 5th – Plan with Precision

Monday’s Daily Topic focuses on planning and preparation, placing a strong emphasis on identifying high-risk activities, implementing control measures, and ensuring collaboration in safety planning.

Tuesday, May 6th – Identifying High Energy Hazards

Tuesday’s Daily Topic is centered on identifying, controlling, and eliminating hazards that could result in fatal accidents before any work begins.

Wednesday, May 7th – Own Your Part

On Wednesday, the Daily Topic emphasizes each team member’s responsibility when developing a safe work environment. Accountability, communication, and leadership are key objectives in this Daily Topic.

Thursday, May 8th – Engage and Empower Team Members

Thursday redirects attention to team members, providing them with the tools and resources they need to foster a culture of safety. The Daily Topic centers on how training, communication, and trust can empower employees to make safe choices.

Friday, May 9th – Commit to Excellence

Friday’s Daily Topic asks team members to commit to building a safe work environment through planning, preparation, and support of one another.

For companies taking part in Construction Safety Week, Rancho Mesa offers a number of toolbox talks and trainings through the SafetyOne™ platform that can be used alongside the Daily Topics.

Along with the daily trainings, companies and employees can register to commit to a daily safety statement, and enter for a chance to win $1,000.