Health & Safety at Work Act
Anyone with a mop and bucket can clean a window, right? I mean, it’s not the most complicated of tasks, in the overall scheme of things; however, working on the basis that just because someone says they can do it, doesn’t mean they’re the right person for the job.
Whether it’s a commercial property or a domestic one, if you’re going to pay someone to clean those hard to reach windows, you’re going to want to make sure that they not only do it efficiently and to an agreed standard, but they’re also going to be able to do it safely.
Generally speaking, smaller one-man band type organisations are not going to have the necessary training and/or equipment to manage to second issue effectively. How many times have you seen a window cleaner “scooching” his ladder along whilst he’s still on it, rather than climbing down, repositioning it and going back up?
Equally, the internet is full of horrific photographs (honestly, take a moment to check some of them out) of window cleaners balancing on window ledges, regardless of the height of the window (one was even on a skyscraper!).
Not only are they putting their own health and safety at risk, but also those of the people who are around them.
The Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) requires employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of their employees and to ensure that those affected by their activities are not exposed to risk.
As a business, it is our responsibility to ensure that when we are on your property, whether it be your home or place of work, that no one is put at risk through the activities we’re undertaking. All of our team have undergone relevant training, including working at height, to minimise any risks associated with the services we provide for you.
These are things you may not consider when you’re looking to have your windows, solar panels or cladding cleaned, but it is so important. A lapse in judgment or a simple slip without the necessary precautions being taken could lead to serious injury. This could be to a member of your staff, or even a member of the public.
Whilst mistakes rarely happen, people are just human, and therefore it’s just as important to ensure that whoever you do use to undertake such work has the necessary public liability insurance to cover all eventualities. The last thing you want to discover is that if an accident takes place, or property is damaged in any way, that you are going to have to foot the bill. Even though the mistake wasn’t yours.
Remember, if a price seems too good to be true, there’s every chance that it is. Take the time to find out more about the individual, or business offering to do the work, and make sure they have the necessary skills and abilities to do it properly (and legally).
If you’re looking for a professional window cleaning service, why not speak to us today for more information about the services we offer?
