We Are Not Power Washers...

Thanks guys, I'm glad you enjoyed the information. You all are MUCH more important than you even know. We are NOT "Cosmetic Cleaners" and that term honestly makes me sick because it minimizes the magnitude of what we do. WE SAVE LIVES.

There are so many types of debris and soil that can contribute to slip and falls. Even sand and dust can be considered hazardous and dangerous depending on the type of surface it is on (yes that includes concrete).

We have worked very hard with Hotels, Resorts, Commercial Properties and Insurance Companies over the last 15 years to establish a reputable process and procedure for decreasing slip and fall areas.

Whether we are doing an Eco-Friendly acid wash with F9 Efflorescence and Calcium Remover or just power washing in general, I look at the job as if we are potentially saving someone's life. I think that advocates for OSHA and ANSI will begin to push ADA and it's standards (they are beginning to already) to make businesses more aware of what is expected of them and their properties. This is a good thing for all of us.
 
If a business has a cleaning agreement will it help with lawsuits vs businesses that dont?

Yes, simply because if you bring in the evidence (the signed agreement in writing), you'll avoid the 'he said - she said' crap. If they agreed to the terms by signing the agreement/contract, it'll take more than an unhappy customer to get around that.
 
If a business has a cleaning agreement will it help with lawsuits vs businesses that dont?

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Lou, yes it absolutely can. The commercial clients we have, have shown a steady decline in the amount of slip and fall accidents. Our program with them started almost 15 years ago.

They amount of slip and falls to begin with would depend on the property and what type of staining they generally have. This particular client has a lot of hard water stains throughout their property.


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Yes, simply because if you bring in the evidence (the signed agreement in writing), you'll avoid the 'he said - she said' crap. If they agreed to the terms by signing the agreement/contract, it'll take more than an unhappy customer to get around that.

But could it then make the contractor a party to a lawsuit???
 
That is a great question

In our proposals we state that frequent cleaning helps to increase traction, improve COF and decrease slip and fall hazards, which it does. We do not state that we will prevent slip and falls. If an accident should occur due to a slip, the first thing an insurance company would do is to measure the COF. Either the COF is going to be above .5 or it's not. If there are pre-existing conditions like calcium or hard water stains, then these are a hazard and should be addressed.
 
If a business has a cleaning agreement will it help with lawsuits vs businesses that dont?

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I think it would depend on what type of "cleaning agreement" you have. For instance, hard water stain removal vs. just regular maintenance cleaning. A "cleaning agreement" may or may not help with lawsuits, and I'd guess for maintenance cleanings that it probably would because the judge/Attorneys would see that the business is proactive in taking care of their property.

In the end though, the biggest thing that would matter is what the COF is. Bottom line, if the concrete is rough and slip resistant... the Plaintiff would not have much of a case if it was .5 or above.
 
But could it then make the contractor a party to a lawsuit???

If a customer sues then the contractor is already a party or will be as soon as the client says it's the contractors fault. Better to be prepared than not.

In all reality it could possibly be the contractors fault by not rinsing well enough or allowing (or not preventing) customers into the work area before they are finished.
 
In our proposals we state that frequent cleaning helps to increase traction, improve COF and decrease slip and fall hazards, which it does. We do not state that we will prevent slip and falls. If an accident should occur due to a slip, the first thing an insurance company would do is to measure the COF. Either the COF is going to be above .5 or it's not. If there are pre-existing conditions like calcium or hard water stains, then these are a hazard and should be addressed.
I can understand calcium buildup causing a slippery surface but not sure about hard water stains. Educate me!
 
I can understand calcium buildup causing a slippery surface but not sure about hard water stains. Educate me!

Rance, calcium buildup is a hard water stain.

Anything that fills the pores of the concrete can make it become slippery, even sand and dust.
 
I think I need to trademark something...






Nah, everyone can use it.
 
Thanks a ton for sharing, and to all contributors to the site. Not enough hours in the day to soak up all this knowledge! :D
 
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