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Cleaner Windows

  • Posts: 757
little accident at work
« on: July 21, 2006, 08:59:37 pm »
I was all set and raring to go this a.m, travelled to a place which was the last on my list. Cleaned the front, went round the back and put the ladder up to do my first window and saw a guy painting the first floor window frames next door, we said hi to each other, I cleaned the window and got down.Moved the ladder across to the next window and climbed up, started to clean and without warning the bottom of my ladder kicked out and down I came!! there was concrete steps under me and my feet got caught between the ladder and them. I couldnt believe the speed at which I fell or the amount of thoughts that raced through my mind before hitting the steps! my trainee wc was shocked. He had to pull my right foot free for me and sit me down. I realised by the amount of pain I was in that I needed the hospital, so the poor trainee had to help me to the car, bring all ladders etc up to the car and drive me to the hospital about 20 miles away.
I had xrays and have a fracture in my left big toe and my right foot has severe tendon/ligament damage. This is the first time ive fallen off and touch wood, hopefully the last
when I'm cleaning windows

master cleaner

  • Posts: 519
Re: little accident at work
« Reply #1 on: July 21, 2006, 09:04:50 pm »
i hope you heel quick
please have a look at wfp , im not trying to start something but at least you wont have the feeling you had while falling ever again.

chin up

gary

JM123

  • Posts: 2095
Re: little accident at work
« Reply #2 on: July 21, 2006, 09:09:05 pm »
yeah, if for nothing else than safety please look at wfp.

it could have been your head hitting the concrete steps.

Other than that I'm sure I speak for everyone in saying glad you weren't hurt (too badly!!)
Live life in the fast lane.......if you break down you'll freewheel further

Ballymena N.I

Cleaner Windows

  • Posts: 757
Re: little accident at work
« Reply #3 on: July 21, 2006, 09:10:42 pm »
yeah thanks chaps! and I will be investing in WFP at one point, when i can afford it :)
when I'm cleaning windows

lynngc

  • Posts: 242
Re: little accident at work
« Reply #4 on: July 21, 2006, 09:13:10 pm »
denis,
just  want to say hope your on the mend soon, but do try and get a wfp system.

lynn
lynn @ gower cleaning services, swansea.

macc

Re: little accident at work
« Reply #5 on: July 21, 2006, 09:14:48 pm »
Hi Denis. sorry to here news . As regards to tendon, get something out of the freezer, rap a t towel round it & place it on the tendon area. It stimulates the blood through the tendon helping it to repare itself. 5mins on, half hr off then 5 mins on.

Ive a damaged tendon in my arm so when it starts playing up that it what i was told to do, 3 times a day. it does help.

hpoe you mend quick.

Macc

Re: little accident at work
« Reply #6 on: July 21, 2006, 09:29:59 pm »
I couldnt believe the speed at which I fell or the amount of thoughts that raced through my mind before hitting the steps! my trainee wc was shocked. He had to pull my right foot free for me and sit me down. I realised by the amount of pain I was in that I needed the hospital,..

Denis,

That'll teach you!!!

Only joking, mate.

How long have you been a window cleaner; just out of interest?

I'm just looking for some 'fodder', so when Squeaks starts spouting that ladders are safe and I've been using them for 'X' amount of years etc, I can use you as a 'lucky' example of someone who fell, had experience, and was luckily enough to get off lightly.

And you have got off lightly.

That'll teach you!

Also, do you have feet on your ladders and are they in good condition?

Be honest please. 


Cleaner Windows

  • Posts: 757
Re: little accident at work
« Reply #7 on: July 21, 2006, 09:44:57 pm »
I couldnt believe the speed at which I fell or the amount of thoughts that raced through my mind before hitting the steps! my trainee wc was shocked. He had to pull my right foot free for me and sit me down. I realised by the amount of pain I was in that I needed the hospital,..

Denis,

That'll teach you!!!

Only joking, mate.

How long have you been a window cleaner; just out of interest?

I'm just looking for some 'fodder', so when Squeaks starts spouting that ladders are safe and I've been using them for 'X' amount of years etc, I can use you as a 'lucky' example of someone who fell, had experience, and was luckily enough to get off lightly.

And you have got off lightly.

That'll teach you!

Also, do you have feet on your ladders and are they in good condition?

Be honest please. 


tosh...My ladder is a safety approved one with the yellow feet and they aren't very worn at all.
I ve been a trad wc for about 6 years and am always very carefull when using them as to be honest, I am scared of heights and dont like going up as far as 2nd floor.
I am pretty sure my accident was due to the hot days weve been working and not enough sleep(my fault I know!!) yesterday was very hot and I am behind on my list and had to try and catch up, so had to push myself to work till 5p.m(started at 8a.m) went to pub with kids and mrs for dinner at 8p.m had couple of pints and beer at home and didnt go to bed when I knew I should have!!
And so...this a.m wasn't particularly "with it" and didnt check my ladder angle before climbing :(
Your right tho m8...it will teach me!!! ;)
when I'm cleaning windows

jeff1

  • Posts: 5855
Re: little accident at work
« Reply #8 on: July 21, 2006, 09:53:48 pm »
Hi Dennis
Hope you heal soon,
Reminds me of the day my ladder did what yours did, only my ladder stopped on a wooden lintel above the door,that was stuck out about two inches, the thing was I didn't stop and my legs went right through the rungs and I was only stopped by my goolies.  ::) now dennis that is pain  ;D ;D

gaza

  • Posts: 1642
Re: little accident at work
« Reply #9 on: July 21, 2006, 09:57:24 pm »
I FELL 16FT:Head first into a yorkshire stone brick wall and got away with less damage
cus I landed on my head ;D

speedy recovery

 gaza
IM AT THAT AGE MY BACK GOES OUT MORE THAN I DO

Re: little accident at work
« Reply #10 on: July 21, 2006, 09:59:43 pm »
And so...this a.m wasn't particularly "with it" and didnt check my ladder angle before climbing :(

I did similar, in my first year of window cleaning.

It was hot, I was sweating and tired and attempted to clean a window above a porch roof.  

I could've gained a safe angle with my ladders if I put them above the window, but it was hot and I was tired, so just rested them on the window sill, as that was the slightly easier option.

It worked fine in winter when my ladder feet were dug into the soft lawn.

But in July, the lawn was rock 'ard.

Luckily enough, when my ladders slipped from behind me, the porch roof slowed my fall; momentarily; before I crashed to the ground with sore finger tips from where I tried to grab onto the porch roof.

I had a couple of other bruises too; but none as big as my pride.

I think it's cracking you posted this here; shows your human like the rest of us.

Cleaner Windows

  • Posts: 757
Re: little accident at work
« Reply #11 on: July 21, 2006, 10:00:50 pm »
Hi Dennis
Hope you heal soon,
Reminds me of the day my ladder did what yours did, only my ladder stopped on a wooden lintel above the door,that was stuck out about two inches, the thing was I didn't stop and my legs went right through the rungs and I was only stopped by my goolies.  ::) now dennis that is pain  ;D ;D
now THAT is something I hope I never experience mate  :o
when I'm cleaning windows

Cleaner Windows

  • Posts: 757
Re: little accident at work
« Reply #12 on: July 21, 2006, 10:03:47 pm »
And so...this a.m wasn't particularly "with it" and didnt check my ladder angle before climbing :(

I did similar, in my first year of window cleaning.

It was hot, I was sweating and tired and attempted to clean a window above a porch roof. 

I could've gained a safe angle with my ladders if I put them above the window, but it was hot and I was tired, so just rested them on the window sill, as that was the slightly easier option.

It worked fine in winter when my ladder feet were dug into the soft lawn.

But in July, the lawn was rock 'ard.

Luckily enough, when my ladders slipped from behind me, the porch roof slowed my fall; momentarily; before I crashed to the ground with sore finger tips from where I tried to grab onto the porch roof.

I had a couple of other bruises too; but none as big as my pride.

I think it's cracking you posted this here; shows your human like the rest of us.
thanks tosh :D
when I'm cleaning windows

jeff1

  • Posts: 5855
Re: little accident at work
« Reply #13 on: July 21, 2006, 10:07:26 pm »
My Mrs was creased up with laughter, she said with the  expresion on my face, she thought they were in my mouth. ;D ;D I can laugh now but it makes you more aware in the future.

Cleaner Windows

  • Posts: 757
Re: little accident at work
« Reply #14 on: July 21, 2006, 10:28:37 pm »
My Mrs was creased up with laughter, she said with the  expresion on my face, she thought they were in my mouth. ;D ;D I can laugh now but it makes you more aware in the future.
it makes me feel sick just thinking of how it would feel :-X
when I'm cleaning windows

paul mather

  • Posts: 528
Re: little accident at work
« Reply #15 on: July 21, 2006, 10:30:15 pm »
Dennis.

How long do the doctors say you will need off work? just wondered because my WFP system cost me under £1100. If you've been WCing for 6 years you must be able to earn that in two weeks.
A serious injury can put you out  of action for a lot longer. Get yourself a 0% credit card & give Gardiners a ring. fantastic service @ a great price.
By the way I know how you feel. About 10 years ago my ladder slipped from underneath me. I automatically put my hands out to stop my face smashing into the floor & broke both wrists. You try  wiping your own backside with both arms in plaster. It can get very messy I can tell you.

All the best & a speedy recovery.
Use the wand of power !!


Warrington, Cheshire

jeff1

  • Posts: 5855
Re: little accident at work
« Reply #16 on: July 21, 2006, 10:33:49 pm »
My Mrs was creased up with laughter, she said with the  expresion on my face, she thought they were in my mouth. ;D ;D I can laugh now but it makes you more aware in the future.
it makes me feel sick just thinking of how it would feel :-X
They say no gain without pain, this is so true, I gained the knowlage of risk assesment.

Cleaner Windows

  • Posts: 757
Re: little accident at work
« Reply #17 on: July 21, 2006, 10:40:11 pm »
Dennis.

How long do the doctors say you will need off work? just wondered because my WFP system cost me under £1100. If you've been WCing for 6 years you must be able to earn that in two weeks.
A serious injury can put you out  of action for a lot longer. Get yourself a 0% credit card & give Gardiners a ring. fantastic service @ a great price.
By the way I know how you feel. About 10 years ago my ladder slipped from underneath me. I automatically put my hands out to stop my face smashing into the floor & broke both wrists. You try  wiping your own backside with both arms in plaster. It can get very messy I can tell you.

All the best & a speedy recovery.
unfortunatley i'm one of those who cant get credit due to leading a wayward lifestyle as a teenager, I have a ccj against me etc so I would have to save the money up to buy a WFP which at this point in time is nigh on impossible..bills to pay kids to feed etc etc its a pain and all my own fault ;)
sounds like you had a nasty fall there btw ;)
mines not as bad but cos both feet were injured I cant stand to go for a p and have to sit like a girly lol :D
when I'm cleaning windows

shammy davis jnr

  • Posts: 543
Re: little accident at work
« Reply #18 on: July 21, 2006, 10:43:54 pm »
get well soon mate and all the best ,and a lesson learened is a lesson shared  you wont fall again ,did you see the kids on the way down ,its a terrible experience bud but you will be on your toes from now on ,,,,,,and your employee will know the script aswell,,speedy recovery mate
the davis ......

Cleaner Windows

  • Posts: 757
Re: little accident at work
« Reply #19 on: July 21, 2006, 11:08:17 pm »
get well soon mate and all the best ,and a lesson learened is a lesson shared  you wont fall again ,did you see the kids on the way down ,its a terrible experience bud but you will be on your toes from now on ,,,,,,and your employee will know the script aswell,,speedy recovery mate
the davis ......
thanks mate and yeah your right about all you said ;)
when I'm cleaning windows