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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to ask who's responsible if a window cleaner falls off his ladder on your property?

113 replies

todayandnottomorrow · 16/04/2023 18:33

We have a new window cleaner starting that many people in the area seem to use. He uses ladders. I suddenly thought, what if he falls on my property and hurts himself? It got me panicked. Would I be accountable?

OP posts:
Original poster
todayandnottomorrow · 16/04/2023 18:34

Ps Obviously I'm aware that the worst thing would be him hurting himself. I'm not being self-centered, simply worrying about my position.

OP posts:
pookiedoodlepuppy · 16/04/2023 18:35

This place is nuts sometimes🙄

Lizzt2007 · 16/04/2023 18:35

If he's doing it as a business then he should have insurance. Just the same as any other tradesman that injured themselves doing a job.

Frabbits · 16/04/2023 18:36

Well, if you walk over and kick the ladder then yes, you are.

Otherwise no, of course not.

TimeFlysWhenYoureHavingRum · 16/04/2023 18:36

Only if you pushed him. As the buisiness owner the window cleaner is responsible for his (or her) own heath and safety.

TrueScrumptious · 16/04/2023 18:37

He is. He needs to have insurance.

Hintofreality · 16/04/2023 18:37

Depends whether or not he falls from the shock of peering through your bedroom window and sees your Husband recreating Sam Smith’s nipple tassel dance.

PricklyFoot · 16/04/2023 18:37

He should have insurance, if you want to be sure you should check, just like you should really check before using any contractor.

It is possible that if he's in you're employment you could be responsible for his accident.

AuContraire · 16/04/2023 18:38

It wouldn't be you unless you'd been negligent in some way, eg concealed a big unsecured grate over a big hole on the ground under your windows and he fell through them or something. He is bringing his own ladder and equipment and he needs to risk assess himself.

Anyway, most home insurance policies will cover you for your legal liabilities re your home.

Truckinghell · 16/04/2023 18:40

Frabbits · 16/04/2023 18:36

Well, if you walk over and kick the ladder then yes, you are.

Otherwise no, of course not.

😂😂😂

whatdoidonowffs · 16/04/2023 18:40

So much worrying about stuff that probably won’t happen on here lately
maybe he’ll get hit when the spitfire crashes into him while barrel rolling 🤦🏻‍♂️

Mummynew08 · 16/04/2023 18:43

PricklyFoot · 16/04/2023 18:37

He should have insurance, if you want to be sure you should check, just like you should really check before using any contractor.

It is possible that if he's in you're employment you could be responsible for his accident.

Op is not his employer, just the service user. Op doesn't pay his tax etc for him. She just pays for the service he provides. Similar to paying for the milkman to deliver milk to you.

Op, he will have his own insurance and risk assessments. If he thinks your house isn't safe to work on for some reason (eg windows too high), he will refuse to.

If you'll be nervous, maybe don't stay at home while he's doing it. My mum would be the same, she's very nervous of heights and accidents and she'd be staring wide eyed at the window cleaner the whole time!

retrosteamband · 16/04/2023 18:45

If you opened a window mid clean, then you I suppose

all you need to do is ask him what his requirements are before you arrive and ask him what you need to do when he’s there. He may just say stay far away or have specific requests

AuContraire · 16/04/2023 18:47

His own insurance isn't likely to pay him for an injury he caused himself.

GoodChat · 16/04/2023 18:48

I'd move your car because if he falls and breaks his back on your car your premium is going through the roof.

TrueScrumptious · 16/04/2023 18:49

AuContraire · 16/04/2023 18:47

His own insurance isn't likely to pay him for an injury he caused himself.

Isn’t that partly what insurance is for? Insurance is for accidents.

AuContraire · 16/04/2023 18:53

TrueScrumptious · 16/04/2023 18:49

Isn’t that partly what insurance is for? Insurance is for accidents.

Show quote history

A personal accident benefit policy might pay a fixed amount but not the typical legal liability for injury compensation OP is talking about.

He could get some revenue protection for his business if he's not able to work too. But for compensation for an injury, he'd need to sue the person who was at fault for it, which would be himself! (assuming OP doesn't open the upstairs window into his head and knock him off the ladder.

Original poster
todayandnottomorrow · 16/04/2023 19:03

Wow, ok. Thank you. I really didn't know - which, given the speed of your unanimous replies, makes me feel pretty green.

Thank you so much

OP posts:
Original poster
todayandnottomorrow · 16/04/2023 19:03

pookiedoodlepuppy · 16/04/2023 18:35

This place is nuts sometimes🙄

Why?

OP posts:
Original poster
todayandnottomorrow · 16/04/2023 19:04

And actually, part of the reason I asked is because unlike a lot of tradesman, there's been a lot of push to stop window cleaners using ladders because of H&S element. So, I wasn't even sure if it's still legal.

OP posts:
greenspaces4peace · 16/04/2023 19:08

My dh asks about their insurance coverage, and has requested they bring a second person to spot/stabilize ladders.

TimeForMeToF1y · 16/04/2023 19:13

todayandnottomorrow · 16/04/2023 19:04

And actually, part of the reason I asked is because unlike a lot of tradesman, there's been a lot of push to stop window cleaners using ladders because of H&S element. So, I wasn't even sure if it's still legal.

Where is this? I've heard a lot of nonsense but stopping window cleaners using the tools of their trade would be ridiculous

What next, cold water only, I inspections of their chamois leathers in case they get their fingers stuck in a hole, no offering them a drink in case you poison them?

BridieConvert · 16/04/2023 19:17

How on earth is this even a question?! You would only be responsible if you did something to cause him/her falling off the ladder 🙄

PearPartridge · 16/04/2023 19:19

Mine doesn't use a ladder. He just squirts his jet thing up at the window

TrueScrumptious · 16/04/2023 19:24

Window cleaners don’t use ladders where I live. I thought there were regulations on working at height, though perhaps it’s different if you are self-employed. A ladder can only be used up to 13 feet or so. Window cleaners use those poles from the ground.