Published
Most falls to window cleaners involve portable ladders. Between 2 - 7 windows cleaners are killed each year in Great Britain due to falls from ladders. There are around 20 - 30 major injuries every year to window cleaners from falls.
The statistics don't lie. Under certain circumstances it can be extremely unsafe for window cleaners to use traditional methods of cleaning while on your property.
Although many window cleaners have adopted the Reach & Wash system which eradicates the need to use portable ladders, some window cleaners still use traditional methods and some customers prefer it.
Cleaning windows using the traditional methods is not in itself unsafe, but it does carry an increased risk, and under certain circumstances, such as uneven surfaces or slippery conditions, it can become unsafe.
Why your Window Cleaner should have insurance
U.K law states that if a landowner fails their duty of care to those entering their property, they may be liable for negligence. But what does this mean to you?
Should your window cleaner have an accident while on your property, and they do not have insurance that covers them for injuries, you could be sued by your window cleaner.
Accidental damages do happen. A smashed window, damaged guttering or a ladder falling on your brand new BMW. Your window cleaner should have Public Liability insurance to cover them should they damage your property. You wouldn't employ a builder or electrician that doesn’t have the correct insurance, so why would you employ a window cleaner that doesn’t?
How to know if your window cleaner has insurance
The simple answer is to ask them to provide insurance papers before carrying out any work on your property. Any window cleaner who does have insurance which covers them for damages or injury would be happy to share this with you.
Note: You would expect window cleaners who have insurance to charge a lot more than those without, however you would be surprised to hear that usually the price is the same.
