[g.brookes]

Seems to me that the biggest problem with wfp is the damage it does to our bodies.
Not everyone I know but a large proportion.
Just wondering if anyone knows of any tech being developed to help with these problems, rather than just new poles.
For example some sort of carrying belt, like they have for film cameras or even something like a flag pole holder.
Something to help with the weight and strain would be far more useful and profitable that new brushes or pole hose etc.
perhaps one for lee burbidge to investigate?
I imagine most people doing wfp all their career will retire with shoulders and neck in a very bad state

[SherwoodCleaningSe]

There's neckprotech it saves your neck and back. Also our working method has a big bearing on joint pain. Fully straitening your arms as often as you can whilst working will help rather than working with a constant crock in the arm.

However I do believe that lightest poles and brushes is the biggest thing you can do to help against RSI. I find of I switch to a slightly heavier brush my elbow pain resurfaces.

Simon.

[Richard Stevenson]

If you were talking about poles from 10 years ago i would agree, they are so lite and user friendly i cant see there been a problem. This trade just seems to keep you fit and strong.

[Smudger]

I agree with the above, modern poles are very light and dont effect the body, certain working positions like working too close to a building where you tilt your head back too far is more problematic but as mentioned you get a neck brace thingy.

Good working practice and equipment should negate any long term health issues

Darran

[Clever Forum Name]

Extreme 18 and a supreme brush.

It's like cleaning with nothing.

Been WFP for 5years plus and all my aches and pains have gone. Since changing brushes/poles and technique.

Had my first electric reel installed and I have to say I thought it would be a waste of money. Now I couldn't imagine cleaning without it.

I have trouble not just laughing when I get paid nowadays.

[g.brookes]

So what specific technique tips do you have then?
Obviously we all have different bodies and therefore different reactions to the work we do, but am intrigued about learning not just the safest way to wfp, but the best way to wfp for my body.
Ps I already use the extreme pole

[Clever Forum Name]

So what specific technique tips do you have then?
Obviously we all have different bodies and therefore different reactions to the work we do, but am intrigued about learning not just the safest way to wfp, but the best way to wfp for my body.
Ps I already use the extreme pole

Rinsing on the glass where possible.

Looking with eyes and not neck (don't over board as you will get eye strain)

Have the brush "dig in" on the upstroke and relax on the down stroke (maximum cleaning power)

Use the correct brush for the correct window.

Stretch between windows,houses and on way home.

All easy and all free.

[dazmond]

have 2 days off every week if possible and a few days at the end of the month

dont work more than 6-7 hrs a day "on the glass"

do a bit of yoga/stretching exercises in the mornings and evenings.even 10 mins a day helps

take cod liver oil and glucosamine every day

spread out add on jobs throughout the month (dont cram them all into a day/week)

dont take on too many jobs over 40 ft

always use extreme poles where possible and lightest brushes(extreme/supreme etc)

[robbo333]

Sports massage every two weeks.
Pilates (about to start)
Eat as healthy as possible
Work at a steady pace (don't burn yourself out)
Learn to clean the other way round i.e if you're right handed on the pole, learn to clean left handed and visa versa.

[Tony dunmall]

Wear and tear happens in all industry the more manual and repetitive, the more likely

Taking preventive measures always help, but for many like myself who've been working poles for nearly 20 years have seen lot changes for the best, but will get problems

Poles were heavy, we were young and just took on everything, now hopefully our Brains can  take over  and maybe work with a bit more hide sight

[johnny bravo]

this sun is bad on the eyes reflecting on glass, or straight into your vision of cleaning.
going to start wearing a cap to shield the sun glare

[dazmond]

this sun is bad on the eyes reflecting on glass, or straight into your vision of cleaning.
going to start wearing a cap to shield the sun glare

try sunglasses?polarised ones.i always wear them when sunny.i have got white panda eyes now though with the hot sun the last few days!

[johnny bravo]

yea maybe.        johnny bravo by name    johnny bravo by nature

[NWH]

Wear and tear happens in all industry the more manual and repetitive, the more likely

Taking preventive measures always help, but for many like myself who've been working poles for nearly 20 years have seen lot changes for the best, but will get problems

Poles were heavy, we were young and just took on everything, now hopefully our Brains can  take over  and maybe work with a bit more hide sight

same as I'm very picky with taking on new work these days,it has to be worth while and a bit more for me to take it on. Constantly sorting wheat from chaff so to speak,some people look at you strangely when you say your not interested in cleaning there windows. I think to myself I don't remember you asking me during the recession lol

[Ian Lancaster]

For example some sort of carrying belt, like they have for film cameras or even something like a flag pole holder.

That got me thinking.  Those things hold the butt of the pole somewhere near mid-thigh.  In order to clean windows, you would need to jump up and down to make the brush move.  Alternatively it could be mounted in a socket with a spring in it so you could lift it up and lower it with less effort.

Imagine the comments when people see you holding a long pole that seems to be attached to you somewhere near your crotch and rythmically moving your hands up and down