So, can you sue the owner? Well, it seems that window cleaners can`t sue the owner, but they can potentially sue for broken premises. Maybe the window cleaner clung to an open window frame. The window closed because the hinge of his fingers was broken and he fell off the ladder and injured himself. Think of Jeremy Vine`s flat roof story. In fact, a window cleaner`s leaflet went so far as to say: “The owner was fined £17,000 for a window cleaner who fell off his ladder” with no real basis. A quick Google search for this story or something similar doesn`t help. Rumors said it had something to do with a civil matter. Cleaning windows at height often requires the use of appropriate fall protection devices. This is usually a seat belt suitable for fall protection and connected to a suitable anchorage point via an energy-absorbing lanyard. The straps must be properly adapted to the wearer. The architecture of modern buildings also contributes to the growing challenges.

Glass surfaces are often high and difficult to access in most shopping malls. Older buildings also have their own special cleaning features. Examples could be many old school buildings and some universities. Well, there are regulations for independent window cleaners in residential buildings right now, but there is still a lot to do. The Occupational Health and Safety Act 1974 requires employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their workers and to ensure that those affected by their activities are not exposed to risks. But it was also updated to say: “The Act: Working at Heights Regulations, 2005 (as amended) impose obligations on employers, self-employed persons and anyone who controls the work of others (for example, facility managers or building owners who may hire others to work at heights). I`m not sure you`ve seen vintage photos of commercial window cleaners from this time in history, but what I can tell you is that nerves of steel were needed to climb 6 floors on wooden ladders without any form of protection! This requires cooperation and communication between all parties, including owners and management agents, window cleaning companies and subcontractors and their employees. If you are planning to start your window cleaning business in Scotland, you may need a licence from your local council. Licences generally have a term of three years. One of the conditions for obtaining a license is that you have liability insurance. You can apply for a licence online on the Gov.uk website if your municipality requires it.

On one occasion, in the early 1900s, the clerk of the city of Salford (United Kingdom) was recorded to raise objections to window cleaners and clean the windows of their schools for the risk that the directives had covered. This was followed by a discussion with the Deputy City Clerk and the District Treasurer, during which contract work was allowed to continue after insurance. Ladders should only be used by professional window cleaners for short periods of time and should only be classified as low risk if the risk has been carefully assessed and the use of ladders over a short period of time, estimated to be no more than 30 minutes, is the most appropriate working tool. Today, it is virtually impossible for window cleaners to use ladders on commercial buildings in the UK. Building owners/occupants are more aware of the responsibilities involved and the risks identified and alternative solutions, also known as cleaning water-supplied pole windows. Fatalities and serious injuries are investigated by the HSE and fines are imposed, which can be imposed on both the employer for window cleaning and its customers. You must provide your employees with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and training on its use if there is a health and safety hazard that cannot be adequately controlled by other means. Common PPE in the window cleaning industry includes items such as hard hats and helmets, gloves, protective footwear and clothing, and high-visibility clothing. A window cleaning company must obtain a licence from their local council if you plan to provide window cleaning services in Scotland.

As a general rule, licences have a term of three years. To obtain a licence, you must have liability insurance. If your municipality needs a permit, you can apply online at Gov.uk.