So far in our safety guide for window cleaning companies, we have discussed the importance of securing your personal belongings and being aware of your surroundings at work. In Part 2 of this guide, we are going to go over some unconventional safety tips for window cleaners that you can try on the job. Prepare for the worst ahead of time, and you won’t suffer from as much damage if something bad happens.
Alright, you’re probably thinking, “What does my phone have to do with safety?” This is an indirect way to protect yourself on the job. Using a cheap phone for work allows you to bring your phone with you on the job without worrying about getting it stolen. People aren’t looking to steal flip phones or old smartphones because they aren’t worth much money. A cheap phone also saves you from a hefty replacement bill if your phone gets lost, stolen, or damaged while you are cleaning windows.
If you have to use a smartphone because you need the internet or navigation function of it, try to get an old, used one from Craigslist or eBay. If you get a new one for free with your phone plan, you may need to invest in insurance. It’ll cost you $8-$10 a month, but it will prevent you from paying for a completely new phone if something happens to it.
This safety tip is a little more complicated than most, but it could be of great benefit if you ever face theft or physical harm on the job. Assuming that you can park your work vehicle near your job site, you can keep a camera running inside to film your location and capture the events around you. If you ever have to file an insurance claim, having this film will be a great asset to you. You can get a GoPro for $200 or so, and you can mount it directly to your car window.
Most window cleaning supplies don’t cost much money. That’s one of the perks of working in this industry. You can get into it with very low startup costs. However, you may eventually need to buy ladders, harnesses, and other equipment to work on multi-story buildings and high rise windows. In this case, you need to make sure you invest in high-quality, reliable equipment that you can count on no matter what. A rickety ladder from the back of your grandpa’s shed just isn’t going to cut it. This equipment will pay for itself in protection over time, and it will give your company a more professional look overall. Don’t be afraid to spend a little extra money when your life is at stake.
Keep these safety tips in mind as you go about your work, and you will have the best experience possible.