Tragedy in Ang Mo Kio: Domestic Helper Dies in Fatal Fall While Cleaning Windows

A somber cloud hangs over Ang Mo Kio following the tragic death of a 30-year-old Indonesian domestic helper, who succumbed to injuries after falling from a height while cleaning windows. The heartbreaking incident, which occurred at Block 652 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6, has sent shockwaves across the community and prompted an urgent investigation by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

Emergency services were alerted to the scene on a recent afternoon.

Police and paramedics found the helper, Ms. Parti, lying motionless on the ground. Despite immediate efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene by a paramedic. Preliminary investigations suggest she fell from the 10th storey of the HDB flat while undertaking the perilous task of cleaning the external parts of the windows.

This devastating event serves as a stark and painful reminder of the critical importance of workplace safety, particularly for domestic helpers whose roles often involve potentially hazardous tasks.

The Ministry of Manpower has swiftly launched an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the fall, aiming to ascertain if all safety protocols were observed and to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

MOM regulations explicitly prohibit domestic helpers from cleaning the external parts of windows unless strict safety conditions are met.

These conditions typically include the presence of internal grilles, the windows being completely closed and latched, and supervision by the employer or an adult family member. These rules are not mere suggestions; they are vital safeguards designed to protect lives.

Employers bear a significant responsibility in ensuring the safety and well-being of their domestic helpers.

It is imperative that they are fully aware of these safety guidelines and enforce them without compromise. Educating helpers on safe work practices, providing necessary equipment, and crucially, never asking or allowing them to perform tasks that put them at undue risk are paramount. The financial cost of safety measures pales in comparison to the invaluable cost of a human life.

This incident is unfortunately not isolated, echoing past tragedies that have led to tightened regulations and repeated advisories from the authorities.

Each fall is a preventable one, a life lost that could have been saved through diligent adherence to safety protocols. As the community grieves this loss, the call for heightened vigilance and unwavering commitment to safety in every home rings louder than ever. The MOM has vowed to take strong action against employers found to be in breach of safety regulations, underscoring the seriousness with which such incidents are viewed.