- Some organizations opt to use their employees to clean up a crime scene at their facility instead of hiring professional cleaning services. These employees are protected from occupational injuries by OSHA regulations, which the employers have to comply with. Even if the employer hires professional cleaning service, the cleaning company must also comply with OSHA regulations for its employees. Cleaning companies have to comply with these regulations before being licensed.
- A crime scene can sometimes be so messy that thorough cleaning can only be done by a professional cleaning company with certification from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration. The cleanup must also comply with Environmental Protection Agency regulations. All the soiled materials that cannot be disinfected and cleaned are considered to be biohazardous waste, which should be properly disposed of by a medical waste disposal company. OSHA regulations must be complied with as there is a possibility of contracting communicable diseases and blood-borne pathogens in a crime scene.
- Companies that are licensed to provide professional cleanup services for crime scenes are required to have a code of safety practices for their employees. The employees should be well-educated on the best safety practices for any crime scene so that they don’t put themselves or others in danger. Continuous education, training and safety drills are necessary to ensure that the health and safety of these employees are guaranteed.
- Crime scene cleanup companies are required to take comprehensive insurance cover for their employees to cover medical expenses if they get injured or infected. The insurance cover should include worker’s compensation with liability. The person hiring the cleaning company must provide all the necessary information regarding the contamination of the area so that the cleaning crew are fully aware of the dangers. Anyone who fails to reveal such information can be held liable in case of an injury or infection to the cleaners.