Window Cleaner Falls From Seventh Floor

A window cleaner was working from a boatswain’s chair, a device used for working at heights. He apparently got off the chair to clean the entire seventh floor windows along a catwalk. Because he did not have an extension pole long enough to reach the tops of the windows, he apparently stood on the guard rail – while disconnected from his safety line. He successfully cleaned four windows, but on attempting to clean the fifth one, he slipped or lost his balance, falling to his death.

After his death it was also found that his blood contained toxic amounts of codeine.

Several contributing factors were at work in this fatality. The worker chose an unsafe platform – the guard rail – and he disconnected his safety harness. Working while under the influence of a drug may also have contributed to the accident by impairing his judgment. It is important to follow safe practices and to use your personal protective equipment at all times. Ensure you have the right equipment for the job, and don’t work while impaired by alcohol or drugs.