Maid is suspected to have fallen from 2nd floor of HDB block in Sengkang while cleaning windows

A foreign domestic worker is believed to have fallen from the second floor of an HDB block in Sengkang while engaged in window cleaning duties on October 8. The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 am at Block 121A Rivervale Drive. According to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), one individual was transported to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital following the unfortunate event.

Employers who fail to adhere to work safety regulations for domestic helpers can be fined up to S$10,000, face imprisonment for up to a year, or both. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is currently seeking additional details on the incident from their report published on October 9. Window cleaning may appear to be a routine household chore; however, working near an open window poses significant risks.

Under Singapore's Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, employers are obligated to ensure domestic helpers work in a safe environment. Non-compliance can result in penalties for employers, including fines, imprisonment, or even being barred from hiring foreign domestic helpers. Employers and helpers are required to sign a safety agreement with their employment agency after the hiring arrangement is confirmed.

This agreement outlines whether the helper is expected to clean the outside of windows, specifying the window location and relevant safety measures. These measures may include the installation of safety grilles and the presence of someone to supervise the work. Helpers must confirm their understanding of the duties, while agencies must explain the nature of the work.

This incident has reignited concerns about window cleaning safety, following another concerning case earlier in the year. On May 14, a domestic helper was seen cleaning windows while perched on a narrow ledge at the 24th floor of a condominium in Yio Chu Kang. Witnesses noted that she was working above a height that raised alarm among residents.

The Ministry of Manpower requires newly arrived domestic helpers to attend a compulsory Settling-In Programme that covers workplace safety and local work practices. Helpers are also provided with long-handled cleaning tools to minimize the need for climbing when cleaning high surfaces. Despite these measures, the Sengkang incident highlights the importance of prioritizing worker safety over a spotless window.