Disagree about the doom and gloom aspect but Helen I understand where your coming from. Its like saying cleaning windows off a lader is ok as long as you dont fall off. I think there are many more newbies coming along and asking similar questions.
Always do yourself a safety assesment, if your worried stick in a couple of insulating sections any where on the pole and if necessary use gloves.
There have been no fatalities in the UK ( wow,thats one big statement ! ) reported ones are from the USA. The alternative is to go back to ladders
with the safety problems therewith.
Life is a challenge you cannot wrap your self in cotton wool.