Most homeowners think gutter cleaning is a Saturday morning ladder job. The reality is harder.
SafeWork SA classification
Most ladder work above 2 metres is high-risk construction work under SA Work Health and Safety Regulations. Single-storey gutters are typically 2.5m+ above ground.
Falls statistics
Falls from height are the #1 cause of construction worker death in Australia. Domestic ladder falls account for hundreds of hospitalisations per year in SA alone.
Insurance implications
Many home insurance policies now exclude personal injury claims from DIY work-at-heights activity. Read your policy.
Cost comparison
A pro single-storey clean costs $180-$320. The hospital ER visit + time off work + lost productivity from a ladder fall costs far more.
When DIY is fine
Single-storey, easy access, sound ladder on level ground, second person spotting, clear weather. Even then, get a vacuum-based pro at least once a year for the downpipes and harder-to-reach sections.