'I'm scared I might fall over': Why some helpers in S'pore still face risky chores
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.
Employers who breach these requirements can be fined up to $10,000 and/or jailed for up to 12 months They may also be barred from employing domestic helpers in the future.
To understand why risky chores continue despite regulations, penalties, and safety briefings, Stomp reached out to those involved in migrant worker welfare and employment in Singapore.
'Difficult for workers to say no'
The issue persists because domestic work takes place in private homes, making "monitoring and enforcement extremely difficult", said Jaya Anil Kumar, Director of Legal and Casework at the migrant worker rights group Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME).
Even though employers and MDWs must sign a safety agreement before work begins, risky chores may still be assigned on an "ad-hoc" basis.
"It's difficult for MDWs to say no to these tasks, especially due to the power imbalance between the MDW and the employer. Refusing work can lead to accusations of being uncooperative, termination, and repatriation," she added.
A domestic worker who only wanted to be known as Ayu shared that she is asked to clean windows and aircon compressors about once a month.
These tasks are usually assigned by her employer's daughter, who also asks her to "move around (from) house to house", sometimes covering "four houses in one day".
When interviewed by Stomp, the 48-year-old alleged that her employer's daughter is aware that moonlighting and cleaning high surfaces without supervision are not allowed under the law.
She also said that her employer offers her an extra $10 a month for completing these tasks.
Ayu added that when she raised safety concerns, her employer's daughter told her, "don't talk so much, and don't talk back".
Because Ayu was in a difficult financial situation, she said she felt she had little choice but to comply.
The gap in education
Paolo Castro, General Manager at Helpling Singapore - a platform that connects 200,000 or so households with more than 1,000 vetted home-cleaning helpers - believes most employers want to keep their helpers safe but may not be aware of the risks.
"Many customers do not realise when a request could be risky. Once they understand the implications, they are usually very cooperative," he said.
Helpling said it tries to close this gap through education, providing new customers with a guide that lists what helpers are not allowed to do.
These include climbing beyond the first two steps of a ladder, cleaning window exteriors, hand-mopping floors, and washing undergarments.
Although cleaning high surfaces like ceiling fans and cupboards is among the most commonly flagged risky tasks, Mr Castro noted that incidents requiring a change of helper occur in fewer than 0.2 per cent of all monthly services.
He attributes this to the "constant communication on expectations" from the parties involved.
Employers, too, recognise the need for clearer guidance.
Marketing and communications director Lynn Zhu, 34, said more accessible resources could help both employers and helpers.
"It would be helpful to have more accessible visual guides or videos in different languages showing safe cleaning practices and correct use of tools, especially for fresh helpers who just come over.
Regular safety briefings or refresher courses from the authorities - for both employers and helpers - would also help reinforce awareness and responsibility on both sides," she added.
Current safety measures in place
According to MOM, all first-time domestic workers must attend the Settling-In Programme (SIP) before starting work in Singapore.
During the programme, they are taught how to carry out common household tasks safely, particularly when cleaning windows or hanging laundry in high-rise buildings.
The training is conducted in their native languages, and materials are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain relevant.
The SIP materials were most recently reviewed in May. The ministry said it would monitor the impact of these changes before making further reviews.
New employers are also required to attend the Employers' Orientation Programme, which emphasises their roles and responsibilities in providing a safe work environment.
They must sign a safety agreement with their domestic workers, to ensure they would comply with MOM's restrictions on cleaning the exterior of window panes.
Before employment begins, agencies also provide training to domestic workers, covering safety practices for common household chores.
Shirley Ng, licensee of Orange Employment Agency, is of the view that the authorities must implement "additional measures".
In her opinion, exterior window cleaning should be "banned altogether" to prevent fatal falls.
Safety starts at home
Public relations consultant Ashleigh Ow, 37, said he is aware "to a certain degree" of MOM regulations for MDWs, such as prohibitions against cleaning window exteriors and moonlighting.
While he admits he can't recall every rule off the top of his head, his approach is simple: "My wife and I won't ask our helper to do something that we won't do ourselves."
Mr Ow takes on any risky chores personally. For instance, when changing a lightbulb, he only asks his helper to support him by stabilising the chair while he stands on it.
Communication and care go hand in hand
For Sue, communication between agencies, helpers, and employers is key - especially for MDWs new to Singapore's high-rise environment.
"Not everyone has experience living in tall buildings. Agencies should brief them on any safety challenges," the domestic worker said.
Agencies like Helpling are trying to strengthen that line of communication. The platform maintains a WhatsApp channel where helpers can raise concerns about customers who are "difficult, unreasonable, or unsafe".
Staff then advise both parties in real time and, when necessary, engage the customer directly or refuse service.
While stronger regulations and clearer guidelines help, advocates say empowerment - not just enforcement - will make the biggest difference.
"True empowerment comes with the right to refuse dangerous and exploitative work without negative consequences," Ms Jaya of HOME said.
Until that becomes reality, workers like Sue can only hope that every home they step into is a safe one.
