Maid says she was tasked to clean window exteriors on 8th floor once a month, asks netizens for advice

SINGAPORE: A domestic helper has allegedly been tasked by her employer’s mother to clean the exteriors of their windows, despite the unit being located on the eighth floor and lacking safety grilles.

According to the helper, she was comfortable cleaning the interior surfaces but avoided the exteriors due to safety concerns. However, while she was in the bathroom cleaning, her employer’s mother approached her and questioned why the outside of the windows had not been done.

The helper then explained that the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) prohibits domestic workers from cleaning the exterior of windows unless certain safety conditions, such as having window grilles, are met. In response, the employer’s mother reportedly said, “You will stay here for two years, so who will clean the outside of the windows?”

Feeling pressured, the helper eventually cleaned the window exteriors, despite being aware of the risks involved. She later informed her employer about the incident and reminded them that breaching MOM’s safety regulations could result in penalties, including fines of up to “S$10,000, imprisonment, or even a ban on hiring domestic workers” in the future.

Looking for advice, she asked the ‘MDW in Singapore’ community, “What should I do if they ask me to do it again? I have been staying with them for almost two months, and I have to clean it once a month. My employer is kind. I’m just concerned, what if some neighbours take pictures of me and then report them to MOM?”

“Have the courage to say no and explain why.”

In the comments, many netizens urged the worker not to put herself in danger again. One said, “Just think that your life is more precious than that damn window, you must firmly say NO. If she insists, tell them that you will call police or MOM!”

Another commented, “Treasure your life. Better to lose a job than losing ur life. You should be firm of NOT cleaning the exterior window. IF they insist, u can call the police directly for help.”

A third chimed in, writing, “Don’t always keep quiet, if you think it’s dangerous and you’re having second thoughts of doing it, have the courage to say no and explain why.. Communication is always the best.”

MOM’s safety rules

The MOM states that if employers live in a high-rise apartment and want their foreign domestic worker (FDW) to clean the windows or hang laundry outside, they must first ensure that “window grilles are installed” and that an adult is present to supervise the task. If there are no grilles or no adult around to watch, the worker is not allowed to clean the exterior of the window.

MoM also makes it clear that FDWs must not “climb onto window ledges, lean out of windows, or stand on chairs, stools, or any raised platforms” while cleaning or hanging clothes. They should also avoid “overloading” the laundry pole, as doing so could cause them to lose their balance and fall.

Read also: Man who has been unemployed twice in the past 3 years says applying for jobs again terrifies him

Featured image by freepik (for illustration purposes only)