- Joined
- Nov 24, 2008
- Messages
- 23,837
- Points
- 113
Fucking stupid MOM is so concerned about the safety of maids, that they are banning all of them from cleaning windows in flats and apts. in case they fall down and die. But wait a minute, what about non maids who clean windows, or flat owners and their family members who clean their own window? No banning of that? I guess MOM is saying "If maid clean window and die, we are very concerned. If Sinkie flat owner clean window and die, your own business" What about those maids that get killed in langar with cars, or killed as pedestrians? Do the employers have to hold their hands when crossing the road? What about those maids that get killed by their BFs? Is the employer supposed to supervised all coitus activities so that they do not get murdered? And exactly how is MOM going to enforce this? Do, they employ thousands of idiots to look up at the flats the whole day to see which maid is cleaning the windows, and than rush into their flats to see if they are being supervised? Most importantly, how can supervision prevent the maid from slipping and falling over? would imagine if the maid is cleaning windows, it will make her even more nervous to have the employer stand next to her watching her. This could actually increase the chances of accidents. But of course, lets not put logic in the way of MOM thinking. A logical policy may require the HDB to be responsible for all exterior window cleaning. Or the wearing of a safety harness when cleaning. But to just say BAN, solves nothing.
With immediate effect, maids will not be allowed to clean the window exteriors of high-rise HDB flats or apartments unless supervised.
In a statement issued on Monday afternoon, the Ministry of Manpower said this new rule will apply to all homes, except for windows that are at the ground level or along common corridors.
[To ban or not to ban?]
There are two conditions, however, for an exception to the rule: 1) that the employer or adult representative of the employer is physically present to supervise the maid and 2) that window grilles have been installed and are locked at all times during the cleaning process.
To deter employers from failing to ensure proper safety guidelines are followed, the MOM aims to double the penalties for errant employers from the existing S$5,000 fine and/or six months’ jail to S$10,000 fine and/or 12 months’ jail.
MOM will be sending a circular to all employers of foreign domestic workers (FDWs) on the new safety requirements.
The MOM added that since the start of the year, nine maids have died from work-related falls. Only four were reported in 2011 and eight in 2010.
Investigations showed that five of the nine who died were related to unsafe window cleaning practices, while two arose from hanging laundry. The other two are pending investigation.
With immediate effect, maids will not be allowed to clean the window exteriors of high-rise HDB flats or apartments unless supervised.
In a statement issued on Monday afternoon, the Ministry of Manpower said this new rule will apply to all homes, except for windows that are at the ground level or along common corridors.
[To ban or not to ban?]
There are two conditions, however, for an exception to the rule: 1) that the employer or adult representative of the employer is physically present to supervise the maid and 2) that window grilles have been installed and are locked at all times during the cleaning process.
To deter employers from failing to ensure proper safety guidelines are followed, the MOM aims to double the penalties for errant employers from the existing S$5,000 fine and/or six months’ jail to S$10,000 fine and/or 12 months’ jail.
MOM will be sending a circular to all employers of foreign domestic workers (FDWs) on the new safety requirements.
The MOM added that since the start of the year, nine maids have died from work-related falls. Only four were reported in 2011 and eight in 2010.
Investigations showed that five of the nine who died were related to unsafe window cleaning practices, while two arose from hanging laundry. The other two are pending investigation.
