Safety and Compliance Checklist for Home Service Businesses

Safety isn't just about avoiding accidents — it's about protecting your team, your customers, and your business. A safety incident can result in injuries, lawsuits, insurance claims, and lost reputation. Use this checklist to ensure your operations meet safety and compliance standards.

Insurance and Licensing

• General liability insurance current — Minimum $1M per occurrence, $2M aggregate for most trades.
• Workers' compensation insurance active — Required in most states for any employees.
• Commercial auto insurance current — Covers all company vehicles used for business.
• Umbrella/excess liability policy — Additional coverage above your primary policies.
• Professional liability (if applicable) — For design, consulting, or engineering services.
• All trade licenses current — Plumbing, electrical, HVAC, general contractor, etc.
• Business license current — City and/or county business license.
• Certificates of insurance available — Ready to provide to customers, property managers, and general contractors.

Vehicle Safety

• Pre-trip inspections logged — Drivers should check tires, brakes, lights, and fluids daily.
• Vehicle maintenance schedule followed — Oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections on schedule.
• First aid kit in every vehicle — Stocked and inspected quarterly.
• Fire extinguisher in every vehicle — Charged and inspected annually.
• Hazmat/material storage secured — Chemicals and materials properly stored and secured during transport.
• Driving records reviewed annually — Check employee MVRs for violations.
• No phone use while driving policy — Enforced with hands-free only exception.

Job Site Safety

• PPE requirements defined per task — Safety glasses, gloves, hard hats, hearing protection as needed.
• PPE provided to all employees — Company-issued and regularly replaced.
• Ladder safety rules enforced — Proper setup, three-point contact, weight limits observed.
• Lockout/tagout procedures followed — When working on electrical or mechanical systems.
• Confined space procedures in place — If applicable (crawl spaces, attics, etc.).
• Fall protection for heights over 6 feet — Harnesses and tie-off points as required.
• Customer property protected — Drop cloths, shoe covers, and cleanup procedures.
• Hazard communication — SDS sheets available for all chemicals used on site.

Employee Safety Training

• New hire safety orientation completed — Before first day in the field.
• Annual safety refresher training — Review key safety procedures and update for new regulations.
• Trade-specific safety training — Electrical safety, gas line safety, refrigerant handling, etc.
• First aid/CPR certification — At least one trained person on every job site.
• Heat illness prevention training — Required in many states for outdoor workers.
• Incident reporting procedures taught — Every employee knows how to report injuries and near-misses.

Documentation and Records

• Safety manual created and distributed — Written safety policies available to all employees.
• Training records maintained — Document all safety training with dates and attendees.
• Incident reports filed and reviewed — Every injury, near-miss, and property damage documented.
• OSHA 300 log maintained (if applicable) — Required for businesses with 10+ employees.
• Equipment inspection records kept — Document all equipment and vehicle inspections.
• Subcontractor insurance verified — Collect COIs from all subcontractors before they start work.

Emergency Procedures

• Emergency contact list posted — In office, vehicles, and digital format.
• Gas leak procedures documented — Evacuate, don't use electronics, call utility company.
• Electrical emergency procedures — How to handle electrical shock, arc flash, or fire.
• Water damage emergency steps — Shut off water, protect property, document damage.
• Accident response protocol — Steps to take immediately after a workplace injury.

Compliance Calendar