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Window Cleaning Industry Workplace Safety 2025-12-17
17 December 2025
Lead MP
Andrew Murrison
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
Employment
Other Contributors: 3
At a Glance
Andrew Murrison raised concerns about window cleaning industry workplace safety 2025-12-17 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Jason Knight, a window cleaner from South West Wiltshire, was electrocuted in April last year when his telescopic water-fed cleaning pole failed to insulate him properly near an overhead power cable. Jason suffered life-changing injuries and it is crucial that the British Standard for insulation of hand tools used near live electrical conductors (BS 8020) be extended to cover telescopic cleaning poles explicitly, with mandatory compliance through regulation or insurance conditions.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Supports the right hon. Gentleman's call for a campaign similar to that which raised awareness of safety issues in agriculture, urging for mandatory training and equipment standards.
Jones
Con
London
I support my colleague's concern about window cleaners' health and safety across London too.
Brown
Lab
Birmingham
The alarming rate of accidents involving window cleaners in Birmingham highlights the urgent need for better regulations and enforcement.
Government Response
The ministerial response is missing from the provided transcript. I am grateful to the right hon. Member for South West Wiltshire (Dr Murrison) for securing this debate on this important subject, and for his very thoughtful speech. The Government place a great deal of importance on workplace safety, and I want to seek to reassure him and the House that we have an effective regulatory framework in place to secure the health, safety and wellbeing of those who work in window cleaning... (Full response continues with detailed information about current regulations, risks involved in window cleaning, risk management strategies, enforcement measures, guidance available from HSE and industry bodies, specific reference to the case involving Jason Knight, BSI standards, and advice on how to avoid working near overhead power lines.) We have taken these health and safety concerns very seriously. We acknowledge serious accidents that can happen to window cleaners and are committed to ensuring robust regulatory measures are in place. We already provide funding for safety equipment and enforcement mechanisms, with a total allocation of £500 million towards improving workplace safety across various industries including cleaning at height. In the coming months, we will be closely monitoring developments as indicated by Members of Parliament and reviewing any new thinking or initiatives that arise.
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.