New window-cleaning rules for domestic workers apply to all flats above ground floor, Hong Kong minister insists
Labour secretary Matthew Cheung clarifies that a helper can clean windows in flats on upper floors only if grilles are installed or where there is a balcony
All windows above ground level – except where there are balconies – must have grilles installed if employers are to ask their foreign domestic helpers to clean the exterior of the windows under new arrangements that will be finalised this week, the labour minister said on Sunday.
Secretary for Labour and Welfare Matthew Cheung Kin-chung made the clarification the day after he said the new arrangements would only apply to flats on “upper floors”, drawing confusion as to whether the new rules would also cover flats on the second or third floors.
“Employers have the responsibility to provide a safe working environment for foreign domestic workers,” Cheung said.
If the flats are above the ground floor, workers can only be asked to clean window exteriors under two conditions – that grilles are installed and that an adult is present to supervise the work.
Additional clauses will be added to employment contracts.