UK Health And Safety Legislation & Guidance For Window Cleaners

The single highest figure for work related fatalities in the UK is due to falls from height. In 2005/6 almost 50 people died and 3300 suffered major injuries from falling from height at work. Around 14 people a year die following accidents at work involving a ladder. As part of United Kingdom health and safety legislation for window cleaners, the Health and Safety Executive released revised Work at Height Regulations in 2005. Window cleaners have to work at height and risks should be minimised by proper training in carrying out risk assessments, planning jobs and safe use of equipment.

It is the responsibility of the employer to take all reasonable measures to prevent risk of injury to employees. It is to the benefit of both the employer and the employees of any business to make sure that any relevant health and safety regulations are adhered to.

Training is essential for all employees and none should undertake a task where there is an obvious risk that they have not received sufficient training for. It is the responsibility of the employer to make sure that employees are aware of any risk which may arise from their work and to ensure they are properly trained to assess this risk and plan accordingly. Full training with regular refreshers and updates should be provided.

As with any job, it is important to carry out a risk assessment prior to any task and plan accordingly. When working in an area such as window cleaning employees should be taught to consider, firstly, to avoid working at height unless essential. Secondly, employees should be able to carry out an assessment of the working conditions which may effect the level of risk such as ground surfaces, weather, height to be accessed and so on and plan out the task to be carried out as safely as possible using appropriate equipment. Lastly, if the risk of fall cannot be completely removed, employees should be trained in how to minimise the effects of any fall which may occur.

In window cleaning, equipment plays a vital role in minimising any injury. Again it is the responsibility of the employer to provide any reasonable equipment that is necessary to maintain safety. Any equipment should be regularly inspected, repaired and updated. The Health and Safety Executive provide legislation on what standards different types of equipment should meet. Employees should also be trained to perform a basic safety check of all equipment immediately prior to use and should have a good understanding of the correct and safe use of any equipment.

A small business can look after its own and its worker interests by doing a little checking and basic planning. The Health and Safety Executive can provide detail on any legislation and local councils often also provide help, information and advise. A larger business may want to appoint or hire an experienced health and safety adviser to oversee their efforts.

With a little information and advice, any window cleaning business can greatly reduce health and safety risks to its employees by considering United Kingdom health and safety legislation for window cleaners.

If you want to become a window cleaner or operate a window cleaning service, you should learn all the details regarding the law and safety regulations for window cleaners North London.