The Worst Of The Window Cleaning News

Five months for bogus caller who took cash from pensioners: A bogus window cleaner who “preyed on” a vulnerable, elderly couple has been jailed for what a district judge described as a “despicable” offence. Luke Brewster, 27, of Leeds Road, Shipley, was yesterday found guilty of fraud by making a false representation after he turned up at the Thackley home of Eric and Alma Ross, asking for money. Prosecutor Mark Haigh said Brewster was “notorious” for posing as a window cleaner, with eight previous convictions dating back to 2010 for similar offences in the Idle and Shipley areas. Bradford and Keighley Magistrates’ Court was told 87-year-old Mr Ross answered the door to a man on the evening of August 6 last year, who said he was there to collect window cleaning money.
Giving evidence Mr Ross said he had not recognised the man and thought he was up to date with his window cleaning payments. He gave the man £20, who then he said he would return with the change but the couple did not see him again. Mr Ross said: “To be honest, I went back and realised I’d been conned. The whole set-up made me realise I should have thought about it more than I did.” Mrs Ross identified Brewster as having been the man who came to the door after she was shown photographs by police. She told the court she had felt “fairly sure” Brewster was the culprit.
Finding him guilty of the offence and sentencing him to five months in prison District Judge Joanne Hirst said: “This is a despicable offence, you preyed on a vulnerable and elderly couple.” She said he had not learned his lesson by previous sentences and custody was inevitable. In his defence Brewster told the court he had not been involved in the crime. He said he had been threatened by a group of window cleaners and there had been rumours about him in the area. “This time I have not done it,” he said.
Speaking after the hearing Mrs Ross said: “You feel vulnerable. We both feel sorry for the guy. We think what’s brought him to that? “We are both Christians and we usually give people the benefit of the doubt. “We were brought up in a different era, when you could trust people. “People should be more careful these days, Don’t let anyone cross your threshold if you don’t know them, you can’t be too careful.”

Drinkers hit by 10p rise in price of pint: Sheffield landlords today branded a price hike of up to 10p on a pint of beer as another ‘blow’ for struggling pubs. Brewers have announced increases in the cost of popular beers, such as Carlsberg. Roger Davies, landlord of The Rosegarth freehouse pub in Aston, has put up prices by 10p. A pint of Guinness now costs £3 and Carling £2.80. He said: “It is another blow for pubs. People have been put off coming for a drink with a while now with the supermarkets being so cheap.” Carslberg UK blamed its 7p increase on rising costs of raw materials, energy and fuel. Window cleaner Martin Hill, 45, of Ecclesfield, said: “I don’t drink that much, probably ten pints a week, so it’s only going up by £1. It will put other people off, though.”

A window cleaner was arrested after checks found he was not inside his home when he was supposed to be. Joseph O’Donohue, 44, of Canberra Way, Warton, near Kirkham, admitted breaching bail. Blackpool magistrates agreed to rebail him. Prosecutor, Pam Smith, said O’Donohue had been bailed on the condition he kept an electronically tagged curfew inside his home between 8pm and 6am. On January 11 the electronic system monitoring the curfew registered that O’Donohue was not inside his home at 8.06pm. When arrested O’Donohue said he had only been half-an-hour later for his curfew.

London searches as part of £450,000 Lisburn drugs probe: Searches have taken place in London as part of a widening investigation into a £450,000 drugs find in County Antrim, the High Court has heard. Addresses in the north of the city were targeted on Wednesday.  Detectives are probing a suspected crime gang allegedly importing and supplying drugs in Northern Ireland. Details were disclosed as bail was refused to one of four people charged over a cocaine and cannabis seizure in Lisburn two days before Christmas.

Mark McAleese, 35, of Johnston Way in the city, faces charges of possessing and being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, and concealing criminal property. He is alleged to have been at the home of two co-accused when police uncovered the haul. A cocaine press and two suspected Taser stun-guns were also found at that property. Follow-up searches at Mr McAleese's home led to the discovery of more than 28,000 euros and £11,000 sterling, the court was told. Phone records were alleged to show contact with Pakistan, Holland and the Republic of Ireland.

Kate McKay, prosecuting, said receipts were found for purchases of expensive furniture and pointed out that Mr McAleese was an unemployed window cleaner. "Police believe this is an organised drugs crime gang responsible for the supply of significant amounts of cocaine and cannabis into Northern Ireland," she said. Mrs McKay described the ongoing investigation as "a spider's web" which has now spread beyond Northern Ireland.

A PSNI detective was said to have joined Metropolitan Police in carrying out a number of searches in north London on Wednesday which led to the arrest of two Chinese nationals and the seizure of £120,000 in cash. Mr McAleese claims, however, that the money found at his home came from business ventures linked to the sale of Ugg boots and Viagra tablets. His barrister said he had admitted making a lot of money through importing the pills over the last three years. It was also stressed that Mr McAleese was just visiting the house where the drugs and equipment were recovered. "He has maintained his innocence," the defence lawyer added. But Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan refused his application for bail due to the risk of disruption to continuing police inquiries.

UK Window Cleaners Save The Economy + Related Window Cleaning News

Child benefit cuts for better off ‘justified’ - “The average person in Peterborough will not be affected by the change because the average wage is below the people who will lose their benefits. “These are unparalleled times and it is good that the Government is doing what it can to save money. “With that being said, there are obviously a lot of questions over what is being done and if there are any problems caused by the changes we will be swift to step in. “If any families can show they are struggling because of the changes we will, of course, be there to represent them.”

City window cleaners were surprised to hear Prime Minister David Cameron say that they, and not bankers, would be the people to get the country out of its current economic crisis. He praised their work ethic at the Conservative Party Conference on Tuesday. He said: “When you think of a wealth creator, don’t think of the tycoon in a glass tower. Think of the man who gets up and leaves the house before dawn to clean the windows. “It will be the doers and grafters, the inventors and entrepreneurs who get this economy going. They will be the wealth creators and, no, those aren’t dirty words.” The news was greeted with a combination of surprise, humour and a feeling of long-overdue respect from local window cleaners.

Stefan Tinkler (pictured), from Allclear Without A Smear cleaning services in Stanground, said: “I have been a window cleaner for 26 years and this is the first time I remember a prime minister praising us. “It is a job that requires a lot of discipline – days can start as early as 5.30am and it’s definitely physical work.”

Gerry Morpeth, owner of Woodston Cleaning Services, added: “I think it is great that the prime minister has praised cleaners’ work rates. Sometimes they are frowned on as if they were third class citizens but it takes hard work to be a good cleaner. “I agree if everyone had our work ethic it would be healthier. The problem is it’s those in ivory towers that make work for the rest of us, so it’s hard for us to bail them out.”

Cam will say: "It will be the doers and grafters, the inventors and the entrepreneurs who get this economy going." Cam should say: "My spending cuts risk choking the economic recovery and I want back £2,500 child benefit for any doer and grafter with three kids who gets to £44k." Cam will say: "Think of the man who gets up and leaves the house before dawn to go out and clean windows. Think of the woman who sits up late into the night trying to make the figures add up to make sure she can pay her staff." Cam should say: "And I want their child benefit too unless the window cleaner and late night lady are together and cap their aspirations at £43k each." Cam will say: "So we are acting to build a more entrepreneurial economy. Tens of thousands of university and apprenticeship places and a new generation of technical schools."

Police hunt St Albans window cleaner conman: A fraudster conned a woman out of money after he pretended to be her window cleaner. Police are appealing for information about the incident which happened in Ramsbury Road, St Albans, on Wednesday, September 22, at around 12.30pm. The conman knocked on the resident’s door and said he was collecting money for the window cleaning that he said had been carried out, so she gave him the money and he left. But about two hours later the real window cleaner, who had no knowledge of the other man, arrived and asked if the resident wanted her windows cleaned. The culprit was dressed casually and described as a white man, aged 20 to 26, of slim build and about 5ft 7ins to 5ft 9ins tall with short brown hair. Investigating officer PC Ben Kirby, from St Albans Neighbourhood Team, said: “We believe this man may be operating in the area, pretending to have cleaned other residents’ windows. If you think you have been a victim of this conman and have any information about this incident, ring the non emergency number 0845 33 00 222 to report it.” Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. Police have also issued a warning to residents to ensure any window cleaners can prove they work for the company you employ and to always confirm when they will attend your address. Also here.

Moshe Feiglin was born in Haifa 48 years ago to a family that has in its ranks, according to him, Haredim and leftists, Meretz voters, supporters of right wing parties and dedicated followers of United Torah Judaism. His mother is religious and his father secular, and one of his sisters works in the State prosecutor’s office. He has, he says, a good and close relationship with all of them. “Despite the differences of opinion, we are a warm family.” He grew up in Rehovot, where he also met his wife Tzipi, then a new immigrant from the United States. He studied in the Or Etzion Yeshiva High School, served in the Israel Defense Forces as a combat engineer, and was discharged with the rank of Captain. After his release, he founded the first rappelling window washing company in Israel, and as he cleaned the windows of the diamond exchange building in Ramat Gan hanging from a rope, he became familiar with the security procedures at the building and decided to found a start-up high tech company that would “streamline and optimize security.” But his business ventures were nipped in the bud. When Feiglin was 30, the Oslo Accords were signed and he stood at the head of their detractors. Together with Shmuel Sackett and Rabbi Benny Elon, he founded and led the Zo Artzeinu movement, and in August 1995 he brought out 100,000 demonstrators that blocked traffic at 80 intersections throughout the country. “A Stopped-Up State” read the next day’s front headline in Yediot Acharonot.

A massive three-day weekend sale slated for Oct. 22-24 by Philip Weiss Auctions will feature hundreds of fresh-to-the-market lots. The action will kick off on Friday evening, Oct. 22, with a full session packed with Hollywood memorabilia. Offered will be approximately 300 lots of movie stills, film negatives, posters, celebrity autographs and more. Two major consignments will share top billing. Also scheduled before the turn of the year is a major Disneyland and Animation Sale, which will include a Donald Duck “Window Washer” cel set up on master production background.

BOSTON,  UGL Unicco, a subsidiary of UGL Limited, today announced that it has signed a contract with Marshall Retail Group (MRG) to provide cleaning services to 70 MRG retail locations in Florida, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.  MRG is America's largest independent specialty retailer in the casino-resort marketplace. It has a portfolio of stores catering to hotel guests, visitors and local residents. The company operates fashion and apparel, shoe and accessory, logo and souvenir, and sundry stores under nearly 20 brands. Under the three-year contract UGL Unicco provides overnight deep cleaning services, including floor strip and wax, carpet care, high dusting, window washing and other janitorial services using a network of service vendor partners.

Homeowner reduces water consumption by half: One homeowner has managed to reduce his water consumption by half through simple changes in habit. Speaking to the Independent, Neil McNiven from Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, says that he uses a few gadgets that allow him to catch water from showers and baths that can then be used for car washing and window cleaning.

Eco-friendly cleaning service thrives in tough economy: Yes, we are in an economic downturn. Yes, hiring a housecleaner is a luxury, not a need. And, yes, most homeowners can do this themselves. But despite all the reasons Greg Wheaton's cleaning service should fail, it is growing faster than a toddler can paint a kitchen with peanut butter. Wheaton's Schaumburg-based company, Green Lady Cleaning, uses Shaklee Corp.'s plant-based, toxin-free cleaning products. This, he said, sets it apart from its competitors. "Pregnant women, new moms and families with allergies appreciate this especially," said Wheaton, a resident of Downers Grove. "They've done their research and know the effects of chemicals on kids and pets. After we finish, the baby can crawl on the floor, and you don't have to worry. And it smells clean, not like ammonia or bleach." Wheaton and his crew bring their own supplies and equipment.

Wheaton co-owns the company with Theresa Serritella, a former colleague at a food service company. He was the food and beverages director, while she was the human resources manager for their previous employer. On the side, each had become a Shaklee distributor. The duo formed Green Lady (greenladycleaning.com) in 2008, after the stock market's meltdown. "My friends said, 'What, are you crazy?'" said Wheaton, who has degrees in culinary arts, finance and business administration. "But we knew how many people were unhappy with their cleaning services and didn't like coming home to chemical fumes." Wheaton is the left brain to Serritella's right brain, he said. While their personalities are yin-yang, they share a work ethic. "We tell our employees upfront that this is hard, sweaty work," he said. "And you must show up on time." Read more.

Blackpool Tower's new boss today pledged to help drive the resort forward with a unique and reinvented collection of seafront attractions. Iain Hawkins has risen from work experience window cleaner at the Sea Life Centre to the head of global attractions at Merlin Entertainments. He sees a bright future ahead for The Tower, and Merlin's other new attractions Madame Tussauds and the Sea Life venue, when the entertainment giant takes over in November. And not just for visitors. "Locals need to discover Blackpool too," said Mr Hawkins, who heads up the new 'Blackpool Cluster' operated by Merlin on behalf of Tower owners Blackpool Council. The Tower boss, who started his career on fish farms in Scotland and spent a spell in Blackpool washing windows and feeding fish at the Sea Life Centre, is full of praise for the council which secured the Tower and other attractions in a £40m Government-backed deal earlier this year. "In all my experience of dealing with local authorities across Britain I've never come across a council as far sighted and visionary as Blackpool. I've worked with 14 resorts and cities and none of them come close to the level of commitment here.

JAMES THOMAS PENNY: November 30, 1924 - October 4, 2010, Middletown, NY. James Thomas Penny, 85, of Middletown died unexpectedly Monday, October 4th, 2010 at his residence.James was born in Middletown, NY on November 30, 1924. He served in the U.S. Marines as a PFC in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He was a retired window cleaner with M Window Cleaning Service, Middletown, NY.

J. Racenstein Acquires Colker Company’s Window Cleaning Division: Two of the oldest names in the window cleaning supply business are now housed under the same roof after J. Racenstein recently completed its acquisition of the assets of L.M. Colker Company’s window cleaning division. L.M. Colker Company will remain in the janitorial supply business in Pittsburgh, PA., and will still supply local window cleaners with walk-in orders. Under the terms of the transaction, J. Racenstein has already begun filling orders from existing Colker window cleaning customers. Colker’s toll free phone number, website and email addresses are being routed to J. Racenstein for easy access to our helpful staff and order placement.

“We are excited and honored to take over this great company,” said Cameron Riddell, president of J. Racenstein. “The Colker Company has a great reputation and has been serving window cleaning customers for more than twenty years. We look forward to getting to know the Colker customers and providing the tools and equipment they need succeed. Greg Colker has been a mainstay of the industry and we are proud to continue his legacy.”

“This was a difficult decision for us,” said Greg Colker, the company’s president. “We have been a part of this industry for so long, but ultimately we are a janitorial supply house and felt it was best to focus on our core business, and let the biggest and best, J. Racenstein, serve our customers as they deserve to be served.” He went on to say; “We have enjoyed working with thousands of great window cleaners and will truly miss the industry.” But, he promised, he will attend the IWCA Convention in Tampa at the J. Racenstein booth.

Steve Blyth, Vice President of J. Racenstein is overseeing the transition and promises a seamless transition. “Customer information is being been transferred to J. Racenstein’s system allowing customers address information, past orders, pricing etc. to be immediately available to the customer service reps” he said. There are a few products carried by Colker that will now be available from J.Racenstein.

“We will to continue to provide Colker’s customers with the excellent customer service they are accustomed to” Mr. Blyth continued. “Many customers will benefit from J.Racenstein’s order management system that improves communication with the customer regarding their order status. For instance a customer can go online and gain access to their profile screen to review current orders and past invoices and print receipts at anytime. They get emails notifying them of their order status, and they can even receive their invoice electronically if they request it that way.” Having a New Jersey and California office supports all J. Racenstein and Colker customers better because a live person is available to discuss customer needs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern standard time. Have your say.

Window Cleaners Latest "Show Case of Shame"

A Keighley window cleaner demolished a dry-stone wall worth £1,000 in a car crash after calling at a pub on his way home from work, Skipton Magistrates heard last week. The court was told David Bingley, of Braithwaite Edge Road, suffered a minor head injury in the accident, on December 15, and was taken by ambulance to Airedale Hospital. The 63-year-old, who pleaded guilty to drink-driving, lost control of his Skoda Felicia on the B6160, between Barden and Bolton Abbey, and crashed into the wall after a “convivial drink” at a pub in Appletreewick. Prosecuter Simon Ostler said Bingley consented to a blood test at the hospital. It revealed that he had 117 milligrammes of alcohol in his blood — the legal limit is 80 milligrammes. Mr Ostler said the collision, which did not involve any other vehicle, happened at around 5pm and caused a total of £1,057 damage to a five metre stretch of a dry-stone wall.
Bingley’s solicitor, John Mewies, said his client had mistakenly had a drink on an empty stomach after forgetting his packed lunch. Bingley’s window cleaning round was in the Yorkshire Dales. Mr Mewies said Bingley had been working in the Linton and Grassington area when at around 3pm he decided to see his friend who worked at a pub in Appletreewick. “He enjoyed a convivial drink and left the pub feeling competent to drive but lost control of his vehicle,” said Mr Mewies. “No-one else was involved, but he made contact with the dry-stone wall and he rolled the vehicle on top of the wall and, unfortunately for him, not only had he ladders on top of his vehicle but he also had them inside.
“He banged his head badly on the ladders and was concussed. His recollection is vague but the emergency services attended after a passer-by happened upon him.” Magistrates disqualified Bingley from driving for 12 months and fined him £290. He was also ordered to pay £45 costs and a £15 victims surcharge. Mr Mewies said following the loss of his licence Bingley intended continuing with his window cleaning round with the help of his wife, who would drive him around.

A rogue window cleaner who burgled customers and let others down has been given a two-and-a-half year prison sentence. Homeless David Green, 43, admitted four counts of fraud for taking money for cleaning windows from Swindon householders and failing to fulfill his obligations between December 2008 and March 2009. At Bristol Crown Court yesterday, Green admitted another three counts of fraud between August 2007 and September 2008, three burglaries and one count of theft, all in the Bristol and Somerset area. He also asked for a 147 offences from Bristol and 124 from Swindon to be taken into consideration, consisting of fraud, burglary, attempted burglary and theft.
Sally Thompson, prosecuting, said Green would offer householders a three, six or 12-month deal for cleaning their windows on a monthly basis asking for payment up front but after a couple of visits would not be seen again. The court was told that Green was eventually traced through his white van. Ms Thompson said he told police that the money paid for his drink and drugs addiction. She said he also had two previous convictions in Swindon for similar offences. She outlined three Bristol burglaries between July and October 2009, in which Green had used a tradesman’s identity to gain access to people’s homes.
Victims of his burglaries included an 87-year-old woman to whom he posed as a builder then took cash and cheques, which he used to withdraw £6,000. On another occasion an 84-year-old woman was targeted by Green posing as a window cleaner and had cash, cards and jewellery taken. Christopher Smyth said in mitigation that drug tests on his client proved he was now drug free and that he had completed a drug rehabilitation programme. Mr Smyth said he had also cooperated fully with the police and given them details of where he committed offences. He said: “It makes it fairly clear he was attempting to wipe the slate clean.
“Whether it’s the drink, drugs, depression, the gambling, whatever it was it has got on top of him. “He dropped out of his normal life and committed offences to keep himself going.” Judge Michael Roach said: “You were given a community order and here you are doing it again. “What is particularly unpleasant is these distraction burglaries where at least two elderly people were relieved of their property. “It’s to your credit that you have worked hard in prison to sort yourself out, but clearly the custodial threshold has been crossed.”
Green was given an 18-month sentence for each burglary to run concurrently, six months for each of the Bristol frauds to run concurrently to each other but consecutive to the main sentence, six months for each of the frauds in Swindon to run concurrently to each other but consecutively, and two months concurrently for the theft. The 170 days already spent in custody will be deducted. Justin Tomlinson, Abbey Meads councillor and Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate for North Swindon, was one of Green’s victims. He was targeted by Green in February last year when he offered window cleaning and work to gutters. Although the guttering was done and £99 paid, Tomlinson said the windows were never cleaned. He said: “I’m absolutely delighted justice has been served.Working with the local residents we helped to provide the evidence needed.”

A window cleaner – caught breaking into women's homes and trying on their clothes before performing a sex act – has been locked up for burglary. William O'Grady, 20, from Layton, was charged with stealing pieces of toilet paper in burglaries on Morland Avenue in Wesham and Lower Lane in Freckleton. A judge described O'Grady's behaviour as grotesque after he admitted breaking into the properties and performing a sex act in women's bedrooms while wearing their clothes during his window cleaning round.
One of his victims, a woman in her 20s, was so scarred by the events she had to move out of the area. Another victim said she was disgusted by what O'Grady had done. After his crimes were uncovered, she said she had thrown all her clothes, underwear and bed sheets away. She had also moved out of her home because she was frightened he would return. In a witness statement, the victim said: "I can't get out of my head what he did in my bedroom. I feel sick." The other victim said she was in total shock when O'Grady's crime was uncovered and she felt frightened.
O'Grady, of Dutton Road, was sentenced to 16 months in a young offenders' institution. Even though the offences were of a sexual nature, the only legislation available led the prosecution to pursue a charge of burglary.

Grabe Trial Wrapping up Quick: The trial of 53 year-old Allen Grabe who shot his young son continued Monday and is wrapping up pretty quick. Monday's witnesses were personal and professional acquaintances of Grabe, who the defense called to the stand. These witnesses said Grabe seemed stressed out and confused as to why he lost a contract that was a major source of his window washing business. They also said he was quiet and talked to himself a lot. Closing statements are expected Tuesday after the final doctor testifies, and it will be up to the jury to decide if Grabe was insane or sane at the time of the murder.
Allen Grabe, who operated his own window-washing business, had met on Sept. 11 with the local ownership of several Taco Bell franchises, who were considering ending Grabe’s services. The prospect of losing the lucrative contract weighed on Allen Grabe on Sept. 11, according to his wife’s testimony. Over lunch, she said, she saw her husband cry for the just third time in their marriage. “He said he felt like he was letting his family down,” she testified. Grabe’s defense, however, said it wasn’t the first time the couple faced a financial crisis, arguing it was an unlikely trigger for murder in 2008. The couple filed for bankruptcy protection in 1997, and Allen Grabe had signed off on an offered loan from relatives to help pay their son’s prescriptions, according to testimony.

Blackpool Features in HSE Safety Campaign

Blackpool's highest window cleaner backs national safety campaign: The man who hangs under the glass floor at the top of Blackpool Tower to clean it, is backing a national safety campaign. Dave Hulme uses a harness to carry out maintenance work to the outside of the 158-metre-high tourist attraction, and is giving his support to the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE's) Shattered Lives campaign. Slips, trips and falls caused 1,155 serious injuries to workers in Lancashire last year, and are the most common cause of major workplace injury in Great Britain. HSE is urging employers and workers to take simple steps to reduce the risk of being injured.

Dave, who works for Cumbrian engineering company MP Marine, started work at Blackpool Tower in 1983 and now oversees its maintenance. He came face to face with HSE Inspector Allen Shute from the underside of the 'Walk of Faith' glass floor to give his support to the Shattered Lives campaign. Dave said: "When they were installing the glass floor just over a decade ago, we had to work out how we'd be able to clean under it safely. I seemed to end up being given the job. I use a harness and then just clean it like you would a window. "I often get some funny looks when I'm hanging under the floor if people are standing on top of it at the time. I've also been known to get a round of applause when I come back up. "People seem to think it's a dangerous job, but working 150 metres above the ground isn't really any more dangerous than working 15 metres above the ground. You just need to make sure you use the right safety equipment. "I hope HSE's Shattered Lives campaign makes people think more about preventing slips, trips and falls in their workplaces."

Allen Shute added: "No one would dream of doing a job like Dave's without using the proper safety equipment. But hundreds of workers are injured every year in falls from just a few metres above the ground. "Hundreds of workers in Lancashire were injured from slips, trips and falls last year. They might sound funny but they shatter the lives of thousands of British workers ever year. "Making improvements doesn't need to cost the earth and we are encouraging people to visit the Shattered Lives website, where they will be able to get simple and cost-effective solutions to help manage slip, trip and fall hazards in their workplace. "Dave knows he's safe when he's working more than 150 metres above the ground at the top of Blackpool Tower because he's held securely in a harness. I hope other people working less high up will start thinking more about the risks they face."

As well as the tragic human cost, preventable slips, trips and falls are having a serious financial impact on the UK. HSE estimates that the combined financial costs incurred by society as a whole is around £800 million a year, at a time when both businesses and individuals are struggling financially following the recession. In response, HSE has launched a new phase of its Shattered Lives campaign, aimed at reducing slips, trips and falls in the workplace. The hard-hitting campaign involves raising awareness of the impact of slips, trips and falls in the workplace and directing people to the new Shattered Lives website at www.hse.gov.uk/shatteredlives for practical advice and guidance.

The campaign is targeted at those sectors where there are a high number of slips, trips and falls each year. Specifically, health and social care, education, food manufacturing, food retail, catering and hospitality, building and plant maintenance, and construction are being targeted. On the new campaign website, people will be able to find out information on how they can easily, and cost effectively, reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls in the workplace, and see what other organisations, such as Sainsbury's and First Line Digital, have done. Included on the site are online guides to preventing slips and trips, and working safely at height. Advice ranges from how to deal with spills and other slip risks, to the importance of using ladders correctly to reduce the risk of falling from height.

Notes to editors:
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety. It works to prevent death, injury and ill-health to those at work and those affected by work activities. For more information about the work of HSE, visit www.hse.gov.uk
Reportable major injuries include fractures, other than to fingers, thumbs and toes; amputations; dislocation of the shoulder, hip, knee or spine; loss of sight (temporary or permanent); chemical or hot metal burn to the eye or any penetrating injury to the eye; injury resulting from an electric shock or electrical burn leading to unconsciousness, or requiring resuscitation or admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours; any other injury: leading to hypothermia, heat-induced illness or unconsciousness; or requiring resuscitation; or requiring admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours; and unconsciousness caused by asphyxia or exposure to harmful substance or biological agent.
There were two deaths involving falls in Manchester workplaces during 2008/9 and one in Ellesmere Port and Neston involving a slip or trip. The following table lists the number of serious injuries in each local authority area in the North West during 2008/9. Three day injuries refer to injuries which required workers to take at least three days off work.

A former Dudley window cleaner who broke his hip and wrist when he fell from a ladder is backing the Health and Safety Exectutive’s new campaign to prevent workplace injuries caused through trips, slips and falls. Ken Bradley, 63, was cleaning windows at a house in July 2006 when the ladder slipped, throwing him to the ground. The fall left him so badly hurt he had to give up his venture, which he had just started following redundancy a year previous. Ken said: “I felt the ladder slip from under me and I grabbed a window to try and stop myself from falling. But I couldn’t reach. I don’t really remember much after that until I woke up in hospital.” He was in hospital for nine days and had to have his hip pinned and stapled together. The severity of his injuries means he no longer can climb ladders, as well as doing certain jobs he took for granted before the fall. Ken said: “It’s the confidence as much as anything. I’d have done anything once but once the confidence has gone, it makes you think twice. “I can no longer walk as far as I used to be able to and I certainly can’t clamber up and down ladders.” Ken is now backing the HSE’s new campaign Shattered Lives, which aims to raise awareness of the impact of trips, slips and falls. As part of the campaign, a new website has been set up – where people can find out information about easy and cost effective ways to reduce such accidents. HSE inspector Brian Martin said: “Slips, trips and falls can be seen as comical but when they result in injuries like Ken’s, it’s proof they are anything but funny. “However, the vast majority of slips, trips and falls can be easily prevented.”

Montreal Rescue + Window Cleaning News

Firefighters make daring rescue of stranded window washers: The Montreal fire department’s high-altitude team rescued two window washers who were injured when the swing stage they were on fell several floors at the SNC-Lavalin office tower on René Lévesque Blvd. near Bleury St. downtown about 1:04 p.m. Monday. Montreal fire operations chief Richard Laporte said the men were on the 21st floor of the 21-storey building when the apparatus fell. One of the men suffered a fractured tibia, while the other had back injuries. Firefighters lifted the men onto a stretcher, one at a time, and descended to the roof of a neighbouring building. They were then taken into the building, brought to the ground and taken to a hospital. The rescue took about two hours. René Lévesque Blvd. was closed into the night, and will be reopened when the dangling swing stage has been removed. Quebec’s workplace safety board is investigating the incident.

Don’t neglect gutters in fall cleaning (Window Cleaning Add-On): Clumps of rotting leaves, wasp nests and mosquitoes are just a few of the nasty things homeowners have to deal with when cleaning out their gutters — not to mention the hazards of climbing ladders and onto roofs to complete the task. Ignoring the gutters, however, will only lead to more, potentially expensive problems, according to Geoff Shaule, president of G & S Window Washing and Gutter Cleaning Inc. of Troy. “Cleaning out the gutters is essential, and it should be done a minimum of twice a year — late spring, after all the seeds and foliage have fallen, and late fall,” Shaule said. “If you live in a heavily treed area, you could possibly need a third cleaning either mid-spring or mid-fall, but every situation is different.”
On why homeowners should consider putting their ladders away and calling a professional, Shaule said he always quotes home improvement expert Glenn Haege. “Haege says, ‘The only safe way to clean your second-story gutters is to have someone else do it,’ and I tend to agree,” he said. “It’s dangerous and filthy-messy; it stinks and it’s no fun. We’re professionals — we have the right tools to reach all the gutters on any home, and we’ve cleaned over a million feet of gutters in the past 10 years.” Clogged gutters and downspouts don’t drain properly and can cause ice dams, which leads to leaky roofs, stained drywall and rotted wood. Blocked downspouts cause the water to accumulate on a home’s foundation, resulting in leaky basements and even leaks in the upper walls of a home. Water that pours over stuffed gutters from a heavy spring rain can damage flowers and foliage in beds beneath. “The damage can be pretty extensive and expensive,” Shaule said.
G & S conducts all estimates on-site and leaves the homeowner with a written estimate and a brochure containing services and insurance information. “We come out to see what the gutters look like and what kind of trees or plants might inhibit our access,” he said. Shaule also provides customers with a brochure containing a rundown of his services and liability insurance information — something he said all consumers should look for when hiring a professional for a hazardous job. “People who go around door to door in the spring and fall, they’re not insured, and if they fall off your roof and break their leg, you or your insurance company will be paying for them,” he said.
Sharon Chess, owner of Chess Roofing and Siding in Ferndale, said homeowners should make sure all gutters are properly secured against the home and pitched properly to ensure all water and debris flow from one end to the other and don’t settle in the middle. “If you don’t have seamless gutters, be sure all of the seams are caulked, so that they don’t leak,” she said. Shaule added the most common mistake people make when it comes to gutters is waiting until December to schedule a cleaning. “Some people don’t want to call us in early fall because they figure there’s still some leaves on the trees, but if you wait until after it freezes, those gutters might not thaw until March or April,” he said. “You’d rather have 90 percent of the leaves cleaned out before it freezes, and let the other 10 percent fall if they have to, because you take a real serious risk of ice dam problems and all that snow and rainwater not flowing to the ground properly.”

Window cleaner jailed for stealing from elderly: A female window cleaner who befriended elderly people to steal money from them has been sentenced to three years in prison. Valerie Newing, 47, who is currently on remand in prison, but who lived previously in Bell Road in Maidstone, pleaded guilty burglary and attempted burglary when she appeared at Maidstone Crown Court. It was heard she distracted her clients by, for example, asking them to get her a glass of water before stealing money from their purses.
In one case, Newing targeted an 88 year old lady, befriending her and regularly visiting her home. She abused the trust she gained by stealing the woman's money and her handbag. As the offender became more desperate, it was heard she attempted to force her way into the house using hedgeloppers to break the chain on the front door. She was finally caught when the elderly lady was hospitalised and a neighbour spotted Newing trying to force her way in to the back window of the empty house. Newing left DNA on the rear window linking her to the scene of the crime.
PC Tracy Evans of the Tactical Crime Investigation Department at Maidstone said: “Newing’s despicable thefts preyed on the elderly and the vulnerable, seeking out easy targets to steal from. I am delighted with today’s result which will hopefully bring a sense of closure to the victims and their families in the knowledge that she is now behind bars.” After pleading guilty to burglary, Newing asked for a further two crimes to be taken into consideration admitting she had been to the 88 year old victims house to steal money on previous occasions.

Windex "all in one" slated again: It Sounds so Promising! Kathleen Stutler of Northern Kentucky hates scrubbing windows. So she loved the idea of Windex Outdoor All-in-One, after seeing ads for it on TV. It looks like a Swiffer for windows, with a pad at the end of a long wand, and promises to make cleaning easier, in just half the time. Kathleen says she read the instructions, and "it said just hook up the hose, and spray the window, which I did." Kathleen says she followed directions carefully. She wet down all the windows with her garden hose, then rubbed them with the special Windex pad on a stick, and finally rinsed it all off. No need to dry with towels. Where's the Spot-Free Shine?
But she tells me when the windows began to dry, the spot-free shine she had been expecting turned out to be anything but spot-free. Kathleen says "after they dried, they streaked and were filled with spots, water spots, that were very noticeable!" We checked with the manufacturer, SC Johnson, which directed us right to the FAQ'S' (Frequently Asked Questions) on its website. There it explained that if you have hard water, the result "is likely to be diminished" and may be unacceptable to you because hard water -- unwiped - will spot. It's similar to spraying your car with a garden hose and letting it dry. You'll find spots on the paint and windshield, unless you use a "spot free rinse" at the carwash (which takes out minerals).

BLACKPOOL has already been put on the window cleaning map after the world record for speed was broken in the town. And now the resort could have the cleanest windows in the North after it becomes the northern centre for the British window cleaning academy. Marton-based company "Excellent UK" has been named as the new northern arm of the British Window Cleaning Academy, which means window cleaners from across the North will be heading to the town to polish up their skills. The company was started by Marton man Sam Smith (pictured) in 2000. He said: "It's great news for the town we've got the training contract for the academy here. "We will be welcoming around 70 window cleaners a month, who will be staying in the resort and contributing to the local economy.
"There will be a wide range of day courses on offer from learning how to use the water fed poles we have instead of ladders, health and safety skills and even teaching them how to market themselves. "There's a lot more to window cleaning than meets the eye." The academy's northern centre was previously based in Newcastle with the headquarters in Swindon. The two centres serve the training needs of all the UK's 180,000 window cleaners.
Father-of-four Mr Smith started the business with a £3,000 Prince's Trust grant, which he used to buy his equipment. Now, Excel Ent UK employs 24 people and carries out a wide range of commercial and domestic cleaning services. Mr Smith added: "It's really nice to be able to bring something back into the community after the help I was given starting up my business. "Window cleaning is a great option for people who have been made redundant or are out of work because the set up costs aren't really that high. "With our courses, such as the marketing one, we can help people build up a really successful business."
Terry Burrows, the world's fastest window cleaner, smashed his own world record in Blackpool just over a week ago. He cleaned three large glass panes in a speedy 9.14 seconds. Terry, who is 54 and from Essex, was in the resort for the Federation of Window Cleaners annual conference and beat his existing 9.24 second time.

A pervert pensioner was caught accessing child pornography on a computer by an eagle-eyed window cleaner, a Court heard yesterday. John Wadsworth, who has had both legs amputated, was reported to the police and his flat raided. He pleaded guilty at Bradford Crown Court to 17 offences of making and possessing indecent images of young boys. Wadsworth, 68, of Fell Lane, Keighley, had had no sexual experiences and lived a reclusive life, the court was told. He had bought a laptop computer shortly before he committed the offences. Prosecutor Paul Nicholson said the window cleaner spotted Wadsworth looking at child pornography on December 14, 2007, and immediately alerted the police.

Lead Poisoning Prevention Week set: Reduce the risk from lead paint. Most homes built before 1978 contain leaded paint. This paint could be on window frames, walls, the outside of your house, or other surfaces. Tiny pieces of peeling or chipping paint are dangerous if eaten. Lead paint in good condition is not usually a problem except in places where painted surfaces rub against each other and create dust. (For example, when you open a window, the painted surfaces rub against each other.) Make sure your child does not chew on anything covered with lead paint, such as painted window sills, cribs, or playpens. Until the new regulations take effect, EPA recommends that anyone performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools follow lead-safe work practices. All contractors should follow these three simple procedures: Contain the work area; minimize dust; and cleanup thoroughly.

The history of Chesham was encapsulated as the town's museum was officially launched. Among the special guests at the grand opening included George Bayliss, a Chelsea Pensioner, and former window cleaner from Chesham wearing the distinctive red uniform, whose story is featured in the museum. Mr Bayliss had been a keen supporter of the project and his family had contributed items for the displays. The public were given free entry to the museum, which came to fruition after an 18-month battle to raise the £20,000 needed.

The distraught family of missing Padiham man Jessie Shaw (83) have made a desperate plea for his safe return. "He suffers from Alzheimer's and we are worried about his health. Tonight will be his third night away from home so I would urge everybody to please be on the look-out for him. We are very grateful to the police and mountain rescue for all their efforts so far and have been keeping ourselves busy putting up his photo and knocking on doors appealing for help. "Dad is very well known in the local area and we have been overwhelmed by the level of support, we would just ask people to please be watchful and call police with any information, no matter how small." Police are asking for the public's help to trace Mr Shaw, from Ingham Street, who also suffers from heart problems. "He is a well-known character in the Padiham area, especially among licensees and he used to run a window cleaning business in the area. "I would appeal to anyone who thinks they have seen Jessie, in the area to contact police on 08451 25 35 45 or dial 999 in an emergency. Jessie is described as white with a pale complexion, 5ft. 7in. tall with short grey thinning hair. He was wearing a blue crewneck jumper with pinstripes down the front, beige trousers and shoes and a checked flat cap. He is often seen with his dog but his dog has been accounted for at his home.

A lady who lives in a modern home in South Bel-Air phoned a professional window washer and asked if he could come over and clean her windows. After she explained the nature of the job he said, "I'll have to send a man out for a consultation." "Consultation?" she asked. "What for?" "Well," he replied, "we have men who wash big windows and men who wash small windows." "You better send a man who has at least a Ph.D.," she said. "I've got 86 windows to clean, all sizes."

Federation of Window Cleaners Show UK 2009

Only 1 week to go before Window Cleaners from all over the UK will converge in Blackpool on Friday (9th October 2009) as the town welcomes everyone in the Window & General Cleaning Industry to the Federation of Window Cleaners Trade Exhibition and Window Cleaning Competition. The event, is primarily focused on the window cleaning industry whilst incorporating its associated trades and services. A full day of events with specialist suppliers exhibiting their latest equipment, see live demonstrations outside plus an opportunity to try out the latest products. Floor plan here. With the industry changing in the last few decades, now using sophisticated systems to clean windows up to 60 feet up. Many of these systems along with

traditional tools will be on demonstration at the show, giving you the opportunity to handle the products and talk to the suppliers face-to-face. Click the suppliers names above to take you to their websites.

Industry experts will be presenting Free Seminars during the day. So be sure to book a seat to avoid disappointment.

• "Why Train" - Andrew Willis - Impact Group Training
• "Ladder Safety" - Andrew Lee - FWC Safety Officer
• "What to look for in buying a waterfed Pole system" - Bryan Dolby - FWC Chairman

The exhibition and window cleaning competition is FREE to enter for everyone in the window cleaning trade. Especially welcome, are those who are thinking of setting up a window cleaning business and simply want to learn more about the trade....Plus a chance of saving £10 on the annual joining fee. Click Here for a booking form to apply for your FREE entry badge, or just email info@f-w-c.co.uk

Window Cleaning Competition's - Presented by the fastest window cleaner on the planet...Terry Turbo Burrows!! How fast can you squeegee three windows..? come along and have a go at this Guinness Record window cleaning competition...you may just be lucky. It is Free to enter for all professional window cleaners over the age of 16 years. Britain's fastest Window Cleaner Terry Turbo Burrows can clean the three window in 9.24 Seconds...although you do not have to beat this on the day to win the Open Speed....But you do have to be the fastest time on the day!! Britain's fastest Lady window cleaner is Janine Guiseley was the first lady to be entered in the Guinness Book of Records with 23.38 Seconds in 2005....again you do not have to beat this title to win a prize...Just have fun on the day.

• ¨ Open Speed - 1st Prize - £150.00 ¨ 2nd Prize - £100.00 ¨ 3rd Prize £75.00
• ¨ Women's Speed - 1st Prize - £ 75.00 ¨ 2nd Prize - £ 50.00 ¨ 3rd Prize £20.00
• ¨ Children's Event - 1st Prize - £ 15.00 ¨ 2nd Prize - £ 10.00 ¨ 3rd Prize £ 5.00

Special Show Offer!....reduced price "Cleaning Windows Safely" course arranged for the day prior to the show...Limited spaces, so book now to avoid disappointment Click Here for details. Or call 0161 432 8754 Click picture below to enlarge.