MOM takes action against 15 employers a year on average over dangerous window cleaning by maids

Since 2012, employers have not been allowed to let maids clean the exteriors of windows that are not fitted with a locked grille. The worker must also be supervised by an adult.

Employers who breach the requirements can be fined up to S$10,000 (US$7,700) and jailed for up to a year. They may also be barred from hiring maids.

Dr Tan noted that all first-time employers and migrant domestic workers must attend mandatory orientation programmes before the start of employment. These cover essential safety practices, including window cleaning.

Employers are also required to sign a safety agreement with their maids to ensure their compliance with MOM’s restrictions on cleaning the exteriors of windows.

The ministry also disseminates reminders to employers on safe work environments for migrant domestic workers, said Dr Tan.

In a separate written answer, Dr Tan said that between 2020 and 2024, three employment agencies were taken to task for failing to ensure the signing of safety agreements between employers and their migrant domestic workers.