Tips to Help You Avoid Costly Lawsuits

No portable restroom operator wants to spend money on expensive legal action. While it’s not always possible to avoid an accident or litigation over a non-paying customer, there are steps PROs take to limit liability. Successful companies avert costly lawsuits by making sure their contracts, insurance, and safety data are up to date. Operators who take additional steps, like using technology and having accident prevention and reporting processes in place, lessen their risk of expensive lawsuits. Protect your business and shield your income by planning for legal action and taking steps to prevent potential issues.

Use Your Rental Operation Contract to Limit Liability

The portable restroom company’s service agreement is a legal document that spells out liability, additional fees, and payment terms. It’s essential to include language that covers potential issues with the client and your property at the client’s site.

• Learn about the differences in special event service agreements versus construction service agreements.
• Speak with your lawyer to determine which contract to use and ensure that you’re covered in all situations.

Your rental operation contract protects your company and outlines responsibilities, so it’s essential to keep it on hand and be knowledgeable about the contents.

Beef Up on Insurance

Insurance is a crucial component in preventing expensive legal costs. Double-check your deductible, limits, and what legal help your insurance provides when faced with an issue. Whether it’s property damage at a client’s site or a tipped over unit, make sure you’re covered. It’s equally important to be aware of potential employee problems, like a torn rotator cuff or vehicle accidents while on the job. There are many variables in the portable restroom industry, and planning is essential.

Keep Safety Data Sheets Updated

Products used to clean, sanitize, and service units may be considered hazardous by OSHA. Your supplier or product manufacturer may provide safety data sheets (SDS) for each product. Limit your legal liability by documenting employee training on the chemicals they use. Teach employees how to reference the SDS. Make sure employees have access to the safety data sheets in any area where they’re using chemicals. Incompetence before, during, and after an accident is a boost to a lawsuit. Ensure your employees understand how to read and use the safety sheets.

Focus on Accident Prevention and Reporting

Document employer-provided training on accident prevention. Oversee employees, and make sure they’re following procedures. Improper installation could result in a damaged unit and injured customers or employees. Accidents will happen, so every employee from the person who answers the phone to the driver servicing a portable restroom unit should be prepped on accident reporting and your expectations. If you want to be the contact person or if you need video documentation, then convey this information to your employees. Laying out the process avoids confusion, provides a tracking method, and leads to resolutions.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

Dash cams protect your company on the road, at a customer’s site, and in the lot. This invaluable technology limits your liability by providing a witness to events as they unfold. Other options might include requiring portable restroom employees to document issues with video and pictures. Use technology to your advantage by adding it to your accident prevention and reporting process.

Don’t Forget Best Hiring Practices

The quickest way to get sued is by asking the wrong questions during the hiring process. Stay on top of the laws in your state and at the federal level. Understanding what information you can request and what you should never say helps you avoid litigation.

Avoid costly lawsuits by making sure that you address every potential problem in your service contracts and that your insurance has your back. Proper training of your portable restroom employees on your safety data sheets, accident prevention and reporting process, and use of technology helps limit your liability and prevent expensive legal battles.

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