We can help you claim
compensation following an accident
illness or injury - nationwide
Call: 0800 10 757 95
Ladders are often perceived as vital to a window cleaner's work, however, ladders present a large risk and other safer methods of window cleaning can be used to prevent window cleaners from becoming victims of a ladder accident.
In a bid to tackle the risks of working at a height, new regulations regarding ladder work were enforced in 2005. These regulations were created to stop people from working at a height unnecessarily and are a result of The European Work at Height Directive which aims to standardize work at height regulations throughout Europe.
A study carried out by The HSE showed that approximately two thirds of all height accidents involved ladders. The 2005 regulations have been introduced to reduce the amount of people who become involved in accidents which are a result of working on a ladder.
Consequently, window cleaners and other workers who carry out their job at a height have had to change some aspects of their work. The regulations state that if a task can be done reasonably well without working at a height, a worker should use another method.
A water-fed pole system is one solution to window cleaning without the use of a ladder. The device can often make cleaning quicker than it would have been on a ladder and can also clean higher than a ladder could reach.
When ladders do need to be used, the regulations require a risk assessment to be carried out to show that working at a height is completely necessary. In this case, any ladders must be properly secured.
If an employer makes their workers clean windows on a ladder when a water-fed pole could be used instead, they could be prosecuted under the regulations, especially if an employee sustains a personal injury as a result.
Hopefully, the 2005 regulations will help to promote the safety of window cleaners and prevent them from becoming involved with an accident from working on a ladder.
Have you sustained an injury from a ladder accident?
Unfortunately some employers neglect to give their staff proper training and ignore regulations such as the ones described above.
Consequently, employees can sustain a serious personal injury as a result of using a ladder when they weren't taught how to use one correctly.
If you have suffered a personal injury through no fault of your own you may be thinking about making a compensation claim. The expert solicitors at YouClaim have a wealth of experience in accident at work claims and may be able to help you secure the compensation you deserve.
For free and helpful advice from one of our legal advisors, get in touch with YouClaim. Fill in our online form, start an echat, or give us a call on 0800 10 757 95.
