Workplace Harassment Prevention Policy Summary

The isolated nature of janitorial work and general characteristics of the employee population leaves janitorial workers particularly vulnerable to sexual harassment and assaults. Janitorial staff often work at night in isolated environments with little security. Additionally, a high percentage of cleaning service workers do not speak English, many are immigrants, and the majority are female. Workers are further at risk when they are without training to protect themselves, do not know who to report an incident to, or choose not to report for fear of retaliation, deportation, or job loss.

In response, states are adding additional protections for cleaning service workers. ISSA continues to track the issue and work with policymakers to come up with solutions that will better protect cleaning services workers and ensure the proposals are workable for employers. To aid our members, ISSA has prepared a summary of what requirements states are imposing on businesses to prevent harassment and protect cleaning service workers. Click here to read the complete Workplace Harassment Prevention Policy Summary.