SJD09,
I completely agree with what you have stated..........
Health & Safety must be paramount in our line of work.
As for if they are banned or not, the fact is "ladders should only be used on any building classed as a place of work if there is no other alternative". In saying that, on Commercial work this should be common practice, reducing the risk of any accident from Working at Height (WAHD) using ladders.
Obviously eye bolts, ladder stabilisers, ladder footed also reduces the risks of the ladder moving or slipping.
I use ladders & waterfed pole system, and on every Commercial premises submit Risk Assessments/Method Statements & Insurance documentation detailing which method will be used for different areas of their building.
I DONT THINK we could all agree on this subject, but all i will say is - Health & Safety is the most important aspect of my business & I cut no corners for myself, staff and members of the public.
So although there is always a place for ladders for window cleaners, the waterfed pole system is certainly the best thing to be introduced into our industry since i started cleaning windows over 26 years ago !