Posted By ste k67
you could read this for clarification.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/regulations.htmIf you are a property owner and allow work to be carried out on your property by a contractor who you have contracted (and that is exactly what you have done with a window cleaner who can show that he has undertaken cleaning work on your property at regular, verbally agreed intervals) then you become a "dutyholder"
If you have a window cleaner who places his ladders against your gutters and/or steps off them onto a sloping roof to clean difficult to reach windows, then you ought to be concerned.
If he was to fall and suffer serious injury or death, he or his estate would undoubtedly seek compensation from any party who could in any way be held responsible.
As he homeowner who allowed this unsafe practice to continue on your property, you would almost certainly be taken to task.
As in most legal cases, ignorance of the law is not a defence.
Window cleaners also have an obligation to carry out work at height safely and should consider alternatives to ladders where possible. This includes the Water Fed Pole system which utilises purified water and extending fibre glass poles. The water is pumped to a brush head, the glass and frames are brushed and washed and finally rinsed in pure water. As this water has had all minerals and salts removed by a purification process, the windows dry completely spotless in most cases. The important factor to consider is that the window cleaner has not had to climb ladders and cannot fall off the ground!.
The other benefits to you are:
.no broken tiles on sloping roofs
.no ladder damage to sills, gutters or lawns
.no invasion of your privacy
There may be occasions when the cleaner has to use a ladder but he can take additional measures to minimise risks of falling.
Remember though, if you pay peanuts what do you get?
I would urge any homeowner to consider the compensation climate we live in and ensure a window cleaner on their property is not working in such a way, that he puts himself at risk of falling. Ask them what safety measures they are taking to minimise risks.
If they are professional, they will be happy to reassure you. If they are evasive or off handed then seriously consider hiring a professional.