Domestic helper sent to hospital after falling while cleaning windows in Sengkang, MOM investigating

Domestic helper seen lying at foot of Sengkang block, attended to by SCDF

A domestic helper was sent to the hospital last Thursday (8 Oct) from a block in Sengkang after falling while cleaning windows.

Footage of the incident showed her lying at the foot of the block, as paramedics attended to her.

Helper lies on ground next to spray bottle and squeegee

In the clip, the woman was observed to be still breathing but seemingly in pain as she rubbed her stomach with her hands.

One paramedic cradled her head while another moved her leg.

Lying on the ground to her left was a spray bottle, while a phone was on her right. A window-wiping squeegee was spotted near her feet.

Helper put on stretcher by paramedics

A third paramedic soon came over and placed a stretcher next to her.

Other images posted in the Complaint Singapore Facebook group showed a paramedic wheeling an ambulance stretcher over.

Paramedics secured her onto the stretcher before conveying the woman to the hospital.

Helper conveyed to KTPH from Sengkang block

In response to queries from MS News, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it received a call for assistance at about 10.30am on 8 Oct.

It came from Block 121A Rivervale Drive.

One person was conveyed to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH).

MOM investigating incident

Ministry of Manpower (MOM) confirmed to MS News that the helper had fallen from height while cleaning windows and that it is investigating the matter.

It reminded employers that the safety of their helpers is their responsibility, and helpers should be guided on safe practices when performing tasks such as window cleaning.

For example, window grilles should be properly installed and locked throughout the cleaning process.

Such essential safety measures, including window cleaning, are taught to all first-time employers during the Employer’s Orientation Programme, and to all first-time helpers during the Settling-In Programme, MOM noted.

Employers are required to provide safe working conditions for migrant domestic workers under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act.

Employers in breach of these requirements may be jailed for up to 12 months and/or fined up to S$10,000. They may also be barred from employing another helper.

Also read: Domestic helper dies after falling from Toa Payoh block, believed to have been cleaning windows

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Featured image adapted from Walter Oh on Facebook and Diana Valeria via Complaint Singapore on Facebook.