Traditional Window Cleaning Using Ladders

Getting Insurance

Since the changes to the Working at Height Regulations in 2005 more and more window cleaners have purchased waterfed pole systems to carry out the majority of their work. But have they completely stopped using ladders? The likelihood is that window cleaners still need to use ladders for access and not all window cleaners can completely eradicate the use of ladders from their day to day routine.

What effect does this have on their insurance? Generally none if they work as a sole trader as most window cleaning insurance policies will provide cover for working to heights of 15m or less. Therefore if the use of a ladder is needed for access then their window cleaners insurance policy is still valid. However, for bigger businesses that employ staff, the use of ladders can increase the premiums that they are asked to pay.

Falls from height

Falls from height remain the most common cause of workplace fatality. In 2008/09 there were 35 fatalities, 4654 major injuries and a further 7065 injuries that caused the injured person to be off work for over 3 days or more, due to a fall from height. Not all of these were window cleaners, but with the window cleaning insurance industry employing over 100,000 in the UK in 2010 they are responsible for between 3-5% of these statistics.

Consequently insurance premiums are more expensive where employees are using ladders which therefore increases the chance of an Employers Liability Insurance claim being made. If you employ staff your premium is based on either the number of staff or your approximate wage bill for the staff. The lower the percentage of your work from ladders, the cheaper your premium.

Don't be put off by stories you may hear on the internet or from other window cleaners insurance for window cleaning using ladders is still available and until (if ever) ladders are banned, it will continue to be available. Despite what you might have read in the past, ladders are not banned and you can still obtain window cleaning insurance if you use them.

You can request a quote for window cleaning insurance online or you can contact us on 01257 424420 or 0845 474 0068 (local rate).