Written Answer to PQ on Safety Protocols and Training for MDWs

NOTICE PAPER NO. 128 OF 2025 FOR THE SITTING ON 14 OCT 2025
QUESTION NO. 387 FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

MP: Mr Low Wu Yang Andre

To ask the Minister for Manpower (a) what are the current mandatory safety protocols and training that employment agencies and/or employers must provide to migrant domestic workers concerning high-risk tasks before they commence work; and (b) whether the Ministry will review these protocols for adequacy.

Answer:

All first-time Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs) are required to attend the Settling-In Programme (SIP) before commencing work in Singapore. At the SIP, MDWs are taught how to perform common household tasks safely, especially when cleaning windows and hanging laundry at high-rise buildings. The training is conducted in their native languages and materials are reviewed regularly to ensure relevance. The SIP training material was recently reviewed in May 2025 and we will monitor the impact of the latest round of changes before embarking on further reviews.

2. In addition, all new MDW employers are required to attend the Employers’ Orientation Programme which emphasises their roles and responsibilities in providing a safe work environment. Employers are also required to sign a safety agreement with their MDWs to ensure that they would comply with MOM’s restrictions on cleaning the exterior of window panes.

3. Prior to working in Singapore, employment agencies would also arrange for MDWs to undergo training, covering safety practices for common household tasks.