Is this any use to any of you?
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/735/schedule/6/madeFrom liability point of view, if the window cleaner was to fall and injure himself, as a sole trader he would have no route to make a claim as a public liability policy would not cover his own injuries (as the principal). If he was an employee on the other hand, he could sue his employer had they asked him to use an unsafe method for a job that wasnt low risk
"Every employer shall ensure that a ladder is used for work at height only if a risk assessment under regulation 3 of the Management Regulations has demonstrated that the use of more suitable work equipment is not justified because of the low risk"- taken from the site linked above. It is likely that an employee would have grounds to make an Employers Liability claim.
The homeowner has a responsibility for the safety of visitors to his house and within the boundaries of his house. Under his home insurance he will have property owners liability which provides cover in the event of injury, death or damage to individuals or their property on or adjacent to the homeowners property e.g. a tile falls off a roof and hits someone, or lands on their car and damages it.
The homeowner though isnt liable for the injuries sustained should the window/gutter cleaner fall and injure himself through his own negligence.
Gav - you mentioned that your insurance policy covers you upto 15m. This is probably true, but that still doesnt mean that you clean upto 15m without following the H&S guidelines for working at such height.
