Not sure about any case law that applies specifically to window cleaners but there is a duty upon householders to ensure that so far as is reasonably practicable the area around the building does not pose any threats to the safety of anyone such as window cleaners. The fact that the window cleaner supplies the ladder and operates it there would be a duty upon him to ensure the ladder is safe to use both from a condition of the ladder point of view as well as the ground it is placed upon. If he thinks the land is not safe he should not use the ladder like wise if the ground is unsafe he should not use the ladder on it. There may well be some claim against the householder but the level of contributory cause would ne very high.

"gnomes for the safe erection and stability of the ladder." Doesn't sound like a particularly safe system of work to me, I'd prefer a couple of strapping lads! (Sorry Rich - couldn't resist). Just a few weeks ago, I watched a window cleaner place, with a deft and almost millimetric precision, a (too short) ladder against a 'false' pvc bar in a large double glazed unit. I can only guess that he's being doing that every fortnight for a long time. A week or so later, I saw the glazier at work repairing the failed double-glazed unit...........I can't help wondering if the householder has any inkling who caused the damage. Duty of care works both ways. Householders SHOULD have appropriate insurance, Window Cleaners SHOULD also have appropriate insurance. Do we ask? Do we ensure the window cleaner is registered with our Local Authority Scheme?

I only recently gave my new window cleaner some leaflets we give out as part of ladder training informing him of the safe use of ladders. I said they might make some useful reading for him if he has to erect a ladder at an unusual angle due to an obstacle or if he cannot access a window safely and has to over reach.

I agree with Rich777, in that it is up to the window cleaner to identify any potential hazards and not the householder. Any successful claim would be exceptional in my opinion and for a high risk not identified by the occupier eg crocodile in the garden pond.

Sorry, and Section 2-3(b)

Our window cleaner has just finished cleaning the windows and I watched him for a few minutes and he has gone from using ladders to using a machine in his vam that pumps the cleaning fluid and rinses the windows without him having to climb ladders. Either he is being lazy (something I don't believe) or he is using a safer technique to get the same results. In fact it is that bit quicker as he hasn't got any ladders to move about. Perhaps all household window cleaners should consider the same.