Hong Kong’s foreign domestic helpers to be protected by new rule on window cleaning in early 2017

All foreign domestic helpers hired or renewing their contracts from January 1 next year will be protected by new rules on window cleaning aimed at avoiding deadly accidents in high-rise buildings.

Under a new clause in their contracts, employers will not be able to make helpers clean the outside of any window not on ground level or next to a balcony or corridor, unless the window is fitted with a secured grille and no part of their body except their arms extend beyond the ledge.

But a domestic helper group complained that some 300,000 working maids were not covered by the Labour Department’s new rules, and that employers violating the clause would not be held criminally liable.

The Philippine consulate last month announced a new clause for all Filipino domestic helpers’ contracts stating that cleaning the outside of windows was no longer part of their duties.

The consulate later suspended the plan for 30 days after the Hong Kong government asked for more time to work out the details and get everyone on board.

Commissioner for Labour Carlson Chan Ka-shun urged existing employers not bound by the contractual clause to follow the new requirements and ensure the safety of their helpers.