Cabbie tells of fall bloodbath: A taxi driver told today how he came to the aid of a badly injured, blood-soaked window cleaner.David Cook rang emergency services after finding the 45-year-old man in Prendwick Avenue, Hebburn. It is believed the man fell from a ladder while on his window cleaning round, at about 1pm on Wednesday. The man is described as in a "stable" condition at South Tyneside District Hospital, suffering from head and back injuries. Mr Cook, 37, a driver with Hebburn Taxis, said: "I was just returning from my school run when I saw this guy propped up against the fence. "Blood was pouring out of him, and he looked in a terrible state. He was staggering and unsteady on his feet, and I didn't know what had happened. "I rang emergency services and tried to keep him calm until the paramedics arrived. He seemed a little delirious and severely concussed. "There looked to be four big holes or wounds in his head, and there was blood everywhere. From what I could gather, it seemed like he'd fallen off his ladder. I knew the house where he had been working and I later saw blood all over the drive-way." Mr Cook said he had seen nothing like this in his 15 years as a taxi driver. Inspector Ian King, for Jarrow and Hebburn police, said: "We are still looking into this incident and appealing for witnesses, but it appears this window cleaner fell from his ladder. "He is conscious and in a stable condition at South Tyneside District Hospital."
This comes after a death in the same area last year: With a new baby on the way, a loving fiancée, a steady business and a family who adored him – Graham Clark had everything to live for. But that all tragically changed on May 31, when the window cleaner fell 15ft from a ladder, at a house in Laygate, South Shields, and spent almost a week hooked up to a life-support machine. The 21-year-old's heartbroken family eventually had to make the painful decision to switch the machine off, after doctors said tests showed he was no longer responding. His mum, Elaine, 44, from Biddick Hall, South Shields, said: "We were told to gather at the hospital on the morning, but I thought it was to get the results of some of Graham's tests – I didn't realise it was for the last rites." Mr Clark, who was due to become a father for the second time, died last Wednesday. His family were at his bedside. His mum added: "As parents, we were just picking out the positive things the doctors were saying. "We really thought he was going to get better, and we were thinking ahead about how we'd manage when he came out."There are numerous sites on ladder safety, please check them out. UK, USA, Australia,
NEW - DVD "Safe use of portable ladders and water-fed poles": Safe use of portable ladders and waterfed poles is the title of a new Safety training DVD. It shows the importance of a thorough inspection of the site and of the equipment. Moreover the importance of safety in securing the ladder and its correct use….with an emphasis on the potential consequences. Waterfed poles - Traditionally, window cleaners have used all manner of ladders and platforms to reach the higher windows, but the introduction of new technology and the Working At Height Regulations in 2005 have shown us that if it’s not essential to work at height…then don’t!
While using these telescopic poles might seem like the ultimate solution, but they’re not without their dangers. In this short video, we’ll aim to show you how to get the most out of your water-fed pole system and how to keep you and the people around you safe. Available from the Federation at an affordable price of £15.00 for Members - £35.00 for Non-Members. Telephone: 0161 432 8754 or Email: info@f-w-c.co.uk to place your order.By clicking the picture above, it will take you to the FWC downloads section for all ladder safety brochures. This is what I use!
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