LOW FLOOR, HIGH RISK: This maid was seen at Clementi Ave 5, on the 3rd storey, stretching dangerously out on an open window on Nov 28 last year. She spent 10 minutes in that position. 'She could have suffered from critical injuries is she fell, even though she was only on the third floor,' said taxi driver Chan Tuck Meng, 46. -- PHOTO: STOMP/CHAN TUCK MENG

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Embassies and welfare groups told The Straits Times that the number coming forward when they see hired help perching precariously on window ledges, for example, is on the rise.

Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics welfare officer Sisi Sukiato, 49, said complaints result in three to four maids being referred to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) each month.

This is twice the number of cases it referred to the Ministry in 2005, she said.

'Before, the maids would not report. When they were forced to do such things, they would not refuse. But more come forward for help now,' said Ms Sisi.

Transient Workers Count Too, a group that looks into migrant worker welfare, also gets about two calls a month from maids about work safety, said its president, Mr John Gee, 54.

Hard evidence, such as photographs snapped by the public, has also helped nab errant employers who put their maids at risk.

Members of the public have sent such pictures to both the MOM as well as media outlets such as The Straits Times' online portal, Stomp.

The problem of maids falling to their deaths in the course of performing household tasks seems to be a perpetual one.

Just two weeks ago, a 24-year-old Indonesian maid fell four storeys from a block at Bishan Street 12. She had apparently been cleaning the windows.

The Indonesian embassy recorded four similar work-related deaths last year, and six in 2006, said its spokesman.

The MOM has been trying to reduce the numbers. It has been conducting a compulsory safety course for new maids since 2004. The course makes them aware of their right to refuse to perform dangerous duties, said Ms Sisi.

The MOM also conducts random interviews with maids and sends them newsletters on work safety twice a year. Educational material for employers is also put out.

Its efforts look to be paying off - the number of maid deaths has gone down from an annual average of 35 over the past six years to 25 last year.

In the last two years, six employers have also been hauled to court for putting their maids' lives in danger.

Employers found guilty of the act can be fined up to $5,000 and jailed up to six months.

Troubled maids and concerned members of the public can call MOM's toll-free hotline on 1800-339-5505.

aprilc@sph.com.sg