Minnesotans who work or live in downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul frequently see the window washers dangling down the side of a building. The washers hang from a roof, periodically lowering themselves on cables to better reach the outside windows on the buildings. Just the idea of hanging high above the street like that can be quite scary for some. Recent investigations into training and equipment, however, provided some a different kind of scare.

There have been three deaths of window washers in the past three years. According to the Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration, these wrongful deaths could have been prevented with proper training and safety procedures.

The recent investigation into the contractors who perform this maintenance operation uncovered a number of shortcuts that negatively affected crews in the Twin Cities area. In some cases, workers did not have access to the proper safety equipment for the job. Employers did not follow guidelines developed by equipment manufacturers about how to properly use their equipment. This equipment consisted of lifelines and suspended scaffolds that are intended to keep the workers safe.

After these shocking and dangerous discoveries, MOSHA released a new safety standard for window washers. According to reports, the new program requires all employers of window washers to complete a comprehensive written safety guide. The guide must include the safety requirements relating to equipment, recordkeeping, and what to do in case of an accident. A push for more inspections will also continue. Starting in October 2010, investigators stepped up their inspections and could stop and inspect a worksite whenever window washing was being done.

The fact that these workers already put themselves in a dangerous position means that everything possible should be done to keep them safe. When an employer or manufacturer takes shortcuts or ignores safety precautions, the worker is the one who suffers. In cases where negligence has led to a fatal accident, it may be appropriate to seek financial compensation.

Source: My Fox9, "New Minnesota OSHA Standard for Window Washers," John Michael, Feb. 1, 2012