How to choose a cleaning company
A cleaning company sends people into your home or workplace, often when you are not there. Before you sign, check that the company looks after its staff properly, so that if a cleaner is injured on your premises you are not left exposed, and that you know exactly who is coming through your door.
COIDA and UIF
Employers in South Africa must register their workers with the Compensation Fund under COIDA, which covers workers injured on duty, and with UIF. A cleaning company should be able to give you a current COIDA letter of good standing. If it cannot, a cleaner injured at your premises may have no cover, and that can become your problem.
Hiring someone directly rather than through a company? Then you are the employer, and registering them for UIF and COIDA is your responsibility, including for domestic workers.
Who is coming in
- Ask how staff are screened, and whether the same cleaners will come each time.
- Ask how keys, alarm codes and access are handled.
- Ask whether the company has public liability insurance for damage or loss caused during cleaning.
Put it in a contract
A written agreement should list what is cleaned and how often, the hours, who supplies equipment and products, what happens if a cleaner is absent, the price, and the notice period. Check the company on the CIPC register too.
Common questions
What is a COIDA letter of good standing?
A letter from the Compensation Fund confirming that an employer is registered under COIDA and up to date. It means workers injured on duty are covered. Ask a cleaning company for a current one.
Do I need to register my domestic worker for UIF and COIDA?
Yes. If you employ a domestic worker directly, you are the employer and must register them for UIF and with the Compensation Fund under COIDA.
What should be in a cleaning contract?
What is cleaned and how often, hours, who supplies equipment and products, cover for absent staff, the price, the notice period, and insurance for damage or loss.