Statistics for Fatalities and Injuries Related to MDWs Engaged in High-rise Cleaning
Ministry of ManpowerSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns statistics on migrant domestic worker (MDW) window-cleaning accidents and the adequacy of safety regulations raised by Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye and Dr Wan Rizal. Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng stated that cleaning window exteriors requires locked grilles and adult supervision under current regulations, with penalties for breaches including fines and imprisonment. He highlighted that first-time employers and MDWs must attend orientation programmes and sign safety agreements, while the Ministry provides ongoing educational reminders. Over the past decade, enforcement actions were taken against six employers following falls and an average of 15 annually for safety violations. Additionally, MDWs can access multilingual helplines from the Ministry and non-governmental organisations for mental health support and guidance on rest day entitlements.
Transcript
17 Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Manpower (a) in each of the past 10 years, what is the annual number of workplace fatalities and injuries among migrant domestic workers (MDWs) arising from high-rise cleaning of windows; and (b) whether safety measures need to be stepped up to prevent such accidents from happening.
18 Dr Wan Rizal asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether the current rules on household window cleaning by migrant domestic workers (MDWs) are adequate; and (b) whether the Ministry will (i) mandate employer safety briefings at the work-permit issuance and renewal of their MDWs and (ii) expand confidential mental-health support and rest-day protections for MDWs with multilingual helplines.
Dr Tan See Leng: The safety requirements for migrant domestic workers (MDWs) cleaning windows are prescribed under the Employment of Foreign Manpower (Work Passes) Regulations 2012, Fourth Schedule. Employers are not permitted to allow MDWs to clean the exterior surface of any window that is not fitted with a grille that is locked at all times during cleaning and without adult supervision.
Employers who breach these requirements can be fined up to $10,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 12 months. They may also be barred from employing an MDW.
All first-time employers and MDWs are required to attend mandatory orientation programmes prior to the start of employment, that cover essential safety practices, including window cleaning. Employers are required to sign a safety agreement with their MDWs to ensure that they would comply with the Ministry of Manpower's (MOM’s) restrictions on cleaning the exterior of windowpanes. MOM also disseminates reminders to employers on safe work environments for MDWs.
Over the past 10 years, MOM took enforcement actions against six employers whose negligence led to their MDWs falling from height. Over the same period, MOM took enforcement actions against an average of 15 employers each year for failing to comply with safety standards for window cleaning by MDWs. We will continue to monitor such incidents and step up education and enforcement if necessary.
MOM also has a suite of measures in place to support MDWs who need assistance including for mental health or advice on rest day entitlements. They can contact helplines operated by MOM and non-governmental organisations, such as Centre for Domestic Employees, for support in their native languages.