By Danica LaFaire
Picture this: a ladder leaning against your siding, a roofer balancing in the breeze, or a housekeeper stretching to dust a transom no one’s touched since hurricane season. Most home projects look routine — until they aren’t. The difference between a close call and a catastrophe is rarely luck. It’s preparation: safety training, the right equipment, and the right kind of insurance carried by a company that takes responsibility for its people.
Why safety training matters
Falls remain the leading cause of death in construction. OSHA reported more than 400 fatal falls in 2023 alone — tragedies that experts say are almost always preventable with proper training and equipment. That’s why OSHA requires fall protection at as little as four feet in many industries, and specific ladder and stairway training for anyone who climbs them.
And here’s something most people don’t realize: it doesn’t take a rooftop fall for things to go wrong. Even a tumble from a simple step ladder — the kind most of us keep in the garage — can cause life-changing injuries. The CDC reports that falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury nationwide, and many of those happen from heights under ten feet. A bump to the head on concrete or tile might not sound dramatic, but it can lead to concussions, fractures, or worse. That’s why proper training and safe practices matter at every height, not just on high roofs.
If a company can’t show you how it trains its crews, that’s a red flag.
The insurance side homeowners can’t ignore
In Florida, workers’ compensation (WC) isn’t optional — it’s the law. Construction employers must carry coverage with one or more employees, and non-construction companies must carry it with four or more. Homeowners can verify coverage through Florida’s state-run “Proof of Coverage” database.
Why this matters: if someone is injured on your property and the company doesn’t carry WC, the fallout can get complicated. Coverage generally protects the worker and the company — but without it, a worker may turn to the homeowner for damages.
And here’s the tricky part: in construction, even “1099 independent contractors” are usually treated as employees unless they’ve filed a legal exemption. That means the hiring contractor is liable for their coverage. Companies that rely on loosely defined 1099 labor often leave both workers and homeowners exposed.
For businesses, the stakes are even higher. If you’re a shop owner, property manager, or office leader, hiring uninsured or untrained contractors doesn’t just put workers at risk — it puts your business at risk of lawsuits, downtime, and reputational damage. One accident on your property can disrupt operations, lead to costly claims, or even draw OSHA’s attention if employees are present. Choosing vendors with verified workers’ comp coverage and strong safety training isn’t just about compliance — it’s smart business risk management.
Spotting the companies that put safety first
So, how can you tell if a contractor truly values safety? Here are a few signs you can see right away:
- Uniforms and PPE: Do crews arrive in company gear, using harnesses, gloves, or goggles where needed? If not, ask why.
- Well-maintained equipment: Ladders, cones, and safety gear should look cared-for and ready to use, not thrown together.
- Clear insurance answers: A reputable company will gladly show you proof of coverage and point you to the state website to double-check.
- Direct employees: When workers are W-2 employees, coverage and training are consistent. Ask if the crew is in-house or all 1099 subcontractors.
- Visible safety habits: Look for small routines — ladders tied off, walkways cleared, teammates spotting each other. Safety is a culture, not a checklist.
For commercial jobs, these signs are even more important. Look for vendors who provide site-specific safety plans, use signage or cones to protect customer walkways, and communicate clearly about when and how work will be done. These habits show they’re thinking beyond their crew — they’re protecting your employees, customers, and reputation too.
Five safety questions to ask any contractor
Want a quick gut-check before you sign? Try these:
- Do you carry workers’ comp, and can I verify it through the state?
- Are the people coming to my home or business W-2 employees or subcontractors?
- What safety training do your crews receive?
- How often do you update or inspect your equipment?
- Can I see your written safety policy or plan for my project?
The bottom line
Whether it’s your family home or your business storefront, the principle is the same: safety is good stewardship. For homeowners, it protects your household. For businesses, it protects your people, your customers, and your livelihood. Choosing companies that invest in training, carry the right insurance, and employ people they’re proud to call their own makes all the difference.
At Fish Window Cleaning in Northwest Florida, safety isn’t an afterthought — it’s the very first measure on our scorecard. We believe the most important part of every job is that our team members return home safely at the end of the day. Clean windows may shine, but nothing matters more than protecting the people who make it possible.
