Last Updated on April 4, 2025 by tanya

Making a Window Cleaner Personal Injury Claim

 

Top Risks for Window Cleaners at Work

 

Window cleaning is one of the most hazardous occupations and if you have been injured, find out about making a window cleaner personal injury claim. While it may be seen as a routine job, window cleaners face a raft of daily hazards.

From working at heights to handling hazardous chemicals, there are different risks associated with window cleaning. While employers are required to have strict safety protocols in place, accidents can and do happen. You may be entitled to file a personal injury claim if your employer was negligent.

If you are a window cleaner and have been injured through no fault of your own, First Personal Injury can help you find out more about filing a claim for compensation.

 

Top Risks for Window Cleaning Jobs

Window cleaners, especially those working on high-rise buildings, are exposed to a variety of risks that can result in serious injury or even be fatal.. Here are some of the most significant dangers window cleaners face at work:

 

Working at Height

The most obvious and serious danger for window cleaners is working at height. Falls from ladders, scaffolding, cherry pickers, or abseiling harnesses are among the leading causes of injuries and fatalities in the industry. A momentary lapse in concentration or equipment failure can lead to life changing consequences.

 

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Even when working at ground level, window cleaners can slip on wet surfaces or trip over equipment. Slippery floors, uneven ground, or obstructions like hoses and buckets pose everyday hazards.

 

Faulty or Poorly Maintained Equipment

Using faulty ladders, ropes, or other access equipment increases the risk of accidents. So, employers have a responsibility to ensure all equipment is regularly inspected, maintained, and safe for use.

 

Exposure to Harmful Chemicals

Window cleaners frequently use chemical-based cleaning agents. Without proper training or protective gear, you can suffer from skin irritation, chemical burns, or respiratory issues caused by inhaling fumes.

 

Electrical Hazards

Working near overhead power lines or using electrically powered equipment in wet conditions puts window cleaners at risk.

 

Adverse Weather Conditions

Wind, rain, and icy conditions dramatically increase the likelihood of accidents. Strong gusts can destabilise ladders or lift platforms, while ice can make surfaces treacherously slippery.

 

Common Injuries Sustained by Window Cleaners

Window cleaning accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts to life-altering trauma. The most common injuries include:

 

Fractures and Broken Bones

Falls or slips can lead to fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or spine. These injuries often require long recovery periods and may result in temporary or permanent disability.

 

Head Injuries

Head trauma from falls, especially without proper protective helmets, can lead to concussions, brain injuries, or may even be fatal.

 

Back and Spinal Injuries

Strains from carrying heavy equipment, bending awkwardly, or falling can cause serious back injuries or spinal cord damage.

 

Cuts and Lacerations

Broken glass, sharp tools, or slip-and-fall incidents can cause deep cuts that may require stitches or surgical treatment.

 

Chemical Burns and Irritation

Improper handling of cleaning chemicals can lead to burns, rashes, and eye injuries if the substances come into contact with skin or mucous membranes.

 

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Repetitive motions and awkward working positions can lead to chronic conditions like tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or general joint pain.

 

When Can You File a Personal Injury Claim?

 

If you’re a window cleaner who has suffered an injury at work, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim if your employer was negligent. This means that your injury resulted from your employer’s failure to provide a safe working environment. This may include various factors, from failing to provide PPE to improper training or faulty equipment.

Employers are also required to carry out regular risk assessment. Additionally, unsafe work practices, such as working in dangerous conditions such as during high winds, may also form the basis of a claim.

Generally, personal injury claims must be made within three years of the date of the accident or the date you became aware of the injury. Window cleaning is a high risk profession and if you have been injured while at work, speak to a personal injury lawyer to see if your case is valid.

Typically, compensation may cover medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and even the pain and suffering.

 

At First Personal Injury, we work with experienced personal injury lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. Our expert team will guide you through the claims process to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Call us at 0333 358 2345 or complete our online contact form.