Using Independent Sweeping Contractors: Advantages and Pitfalls

Setting up independent contractors for parking lot sweeping offers numerous advantages for sweeping businesses in terms of flexibility, cost savings, and potential access to specialized skills. However, if you are considering doing so it is essential to be aware of potential pitfalls and legal considerations. Before taking the step of adding independent contractors to your business model it’s crucial that you understand the pluses and minuses of the issue.

Employing independent contractors for parking lot sweeping provides enhanced flexibility in managing your workforce. Independent contractors can be hired as needed, allowing you to scale your lot sweeping services based on demand.

Secondly, it may well be easier to find individuals with interest in becoming an independent contractor — perhaps even people with specialized skills and expertise — who are not interested in becoming an employee of your company. Or, perhaps you already have the route set up, a selling task the person doesn’t want to do or have the skills to perform. Another advantage is gained via having them be the investor in the sweeper and other equipment needed.

Use of independent contractors can lead to reduced overhead costs. Businesses do not have to provide benefits such as health or workers’ comp insurance since independent contractors are responsible for their own taxes and insurances.

While these are notable advantages, it is essential to be mindful of potential pitfalls when using independent contractors for sweeping. One key challenge is ensuring proper classification and compliance with employment laws. Misclassifying workers as independent contractors when they should be considered employees can lead to serious legal consequences and financial liabilities.

Another potential pitfall is limited control over the contractors' schedules and work processes. Since independent contractors must have autonomy in their work, businesses may face challenges in coordinating sweeping service times and maintaining consistent quality standards.

To benefit the industry at large, WSA has chosen to offer an in-depth look at the advantages/pitfalls on this topic via a 45-minute Zoomcast analysis with Phil Duncan, principal of WSA’s endorsed insurance organization, BindDesk. You can access this normally WSA member-only discussion at this Bitly link: https://bit.ly/3O6d2vb

Alternatively, here is the QR code for access to the Zoomcast: