World Sweeping Association's
'Ethics in Power Sweeping' Initiative
reprinted from the World Sweeping Association website.
Certificates of Insurance Covering Sweepers and General Liability
In the case of an accident for which a sweeping contractor is liable, if the contractor doesn't carry insurance coverage then the owner of the property on which it occurred is much more likely to be held liable.
Proof of Compliance With the Workmen's Compensation Laws of the State
Some companies cut corners by not paying the workmens' compensation on their employees. Without it, there is a much greater chance that a sweeper operator who gets injured will sue the owner of the property being swept, or the hiring firm, for damages.
Local Business Licenses and Federal Tax Identification Number
Another way to identify legitimate businesses is to confirm that the company complies with all the statutes to which ethical business people must conform. Most cities require that a local business license be issued to companies doing business within the city limits, and this usually includes sweepers. Also, if a company doesn't have a federal tax ID number, it is much more likely that required taxes are not being paid.
These include payroll taxes and the remittance of any sales taxes which are due in some states. It is not in a hiring firm's best interest to hire a contractor that could be shut down at any time for non-payment of taxes.
Trade References
Most companies want to do business with an established company, one that has a good chance of being there some years from now. Another way to get a handle on reputability is to talk to others who supply the sweeping contractor with parts and supplies. Ethics program participants agree to provide trade references upon request.
Waste Disposal Information
It has been found that both the contractor and the property owner can be held liable for incorrectly dumped waste. If an account manager does not provide an on-site place to dump collected litter, he or she should confirm that the litter from the site is being disposed of at an appropriate dump facility.
Dumping fees are becoming an ever larger component of doing business in many areas, and, although the incidence of 'midnight dumping' is being successfully reduced, some companies still dump on their personal property or elsewhere in order to cut costs.
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