Proposed Mn. legislation could be breakthrough for window cleaners (3 dead in 3 years)

http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?news_6_4463

7 May 2010
ST. PAUL - Rep. Jim Davnie, DFL- Minneapolis, has introduced legislation aimed at reducing deaths in the state’s window cleaning industry, which has experienced three fatalities in recent years.
Davnie worked with members of Service Employees International Union Local 26 to develop the legislation, HF 3824.

The bill creates a stakeholders' taskforce to meet and develop safety standards for the industry and looks to amend the state building code to enhance window cleaner safety. The taskforce will develop training, education, and licensure standards for both companies and workers while coordinating any initiatives with OSHA regulations.

"Window cleaners need to have the equipment and training to do their jobs safely. In the past two years three workers have lost their lives. We must not allow one more death to occur," said Dino Crandall, a window cleaner and member of SEIU Local 26.

Davnie said the taskforce will incorporate the concerns of cleaners like Dino who want to see their employers use sensible business practices.

“Window cleaners have suffered from hazardous work conditions for too long,” said Davnie. “This is a step toward correcting that problem. The men and women who keep our skyscrapers clean shouldn’t have to worry about faulty equipment or suspect safety guidelines.”

FULL story at link.

workers safe. Thank goodness that some legislator's understand that they represent the people.

in the years to come, seems like legislatures big and small need to start addressing it instead of this, jmo.

I see those guys dangling up there 7 stories up and my heart always stops.