They may come with the same hopes of earning enough for their loving families at home, but not all of Singapore’s migrant domestic workers (MDWs) are lucky enough to meet caring employers here.
Sue, who asked to be referred to by this name, is a migrant domestic worker who has been in Singapore since 1997. She knows the highs and lows of her job.
Her number-one responsibility, she says, has always been caregiving for children.
In her 28 years here, she has only worked for “good employers” who never asked her to perform dangerous chores.
Yet, she knows many helpers are not as fortunate.
“It is very sad and disturbing every time I hear news about helpers falling from cleaning windows, but what to do?” the 50-year-old told Stomp.
Some helpers face dangerous tasks
In stark contrast to Sue’s experience, a 27-year-old domestic helper, who declined to be named, told Stomp that her employer – an elderly woman – often instructed her to clean the exterior windows of her flat while standing on a chair in the corridor.
“The corridor is quite narrow, and I’m scared I might fall over the railing,” said the helper, who has been working in the Yishun flat on the 12th floor for about six months.
However, when she raised her concerns with her employer, they were ignored.
Dangers at work remain
A recent incident in Toa Payoh has again spotlighted the risks domestic workers face.
A woman believed to be a domestic worker was found motionless at the foot of an HDB block on Sept 25 and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Her employer told Shin Min Daily News that the helper, who had only begun her employment on Sept 20, had likely fallen while cleaning windows.
The Straits Times (ST) later reported that the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is investigating the death.
A spokesperson from MOM told ST on Oct 3 that “We are deeply concerned about such incidents and would like to remind all employers of the importance of ensuring the safety of their migrant domestic workers.”
The ministry also advised employers to guide their helpers on safe practices when performing tasks such as window cleaning, including checking that window grilles are properly installed and locked before any cleaning is done.
Why risky chores persist
Over the past decade, MOM has taken enforcement actions against an average of 15 employers each year for failing to comply with safety standards for maids cleaning windows.
During that period, negligence by six employers led to their maids falling from height, Minister of Manpower Tan See Leng said on Oct 14.
The ministry will continue to monitor such incidents and step up education and enforcement if necessary, the minister added in a written reply to parliamentary questions about whether tougher safety measures are needed.
Under existing regulations, employers are not allowed to let domestic helpers clean the exterior of windows unless safety conditions are met.
An employer or adult representative must be present to supervise, and window grilles must be installed and locked at all times during cleaning.
