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At a glance
- During festive seasons, you may instruct your helper to clean up more thoroughly in preparation for visitors, increasing her workload.
- This increases the chances of accidents, especially if she’s unfamiliar with working in an urban setting.
- You’re responsible for her safety, so make sure she’s working safely when cleaning windows, hanging the laundry, etc.
The holiday period is a time of joy and you may be joining hands with your migrant domestic worker (MDW) to clean up your home or give it a festive makeover. While we’d all love to welcome guests to a clean and sparkling space, it's crucial to prioritise the safety of your MDW from unforeseen incidents.
Understanding the risks
For your MDW, an increased workload may lead to increased chance of stress, fatigue and, unfortunately, accidents. Furthermore, MDWs who are new to Singapore might not be familiar with living in an urban environment like ours. It is important to provide supervision to ensure that she knows how to perform her duties safely. High-rise environments can present risks that they are not used to, like hanging laundry out of a window or cleaning windows above the ground floor.
As an employer, it's your responsibility to ensure that your MDW works in a safe environment. You can do so by educating your helper about such risks and the precautions to take.
Regarding the safety agreement
You would have signed it with your MDW when you hired her as a first-timer or had her transferred to your household. It lists the restrictions on cleaning the exterior of windows, states that your requirements for cleaning windows will comply with our regulations and includes your MDW's acknowledgment of your requirement on window cleaning. Remember to adhere to it.
Clear communication helps
In addition to instructing your MDW on the tasks to perform and safety procedures, regularly check in with her about any doubts she may have, especially when it comes to working in a high-rise environment, use of electricity and household appliances. Tell her your expectations clearly to avoid misunderstandings. You're responsible for your MDW's medical care and well-being, and effective communication is key to preventing issues.
Address doubts proactively
Be mindful that your MDW may hesitate to ask questions, such as how to use household appliances properly or how to perform cleaning chores in a high-rise environment. Take the initiative to ask her if she is unsure about anything, and create a supportive work environment where she feels comfortable to seek clarification.
Your helper may not be familiar with traditional practices surrounding the festivals you celebrate, so a quick introduction can ensure that she does things in a way that you prefer.
Conclusion: your role is vital
Caring for your MDW's well-being goes beyond legal requirements. It’s about basic respect. By working together to prioritise safety, you and your MDW can ensure an accident-free and joyful festive season for everyone.
A well-rested helper is a more effective employee. Have open conversations to discuss any changes in schedules or expectations during the holiday period, and ensure your helper has adequate rest.
Since 1 January 2023, every MDW is entitled to one rest day per week, which cannot be compensated away. Employers who fail to provide the mandatory rest day may be subjected to enforcement action by the Ministry of Manpower.