Ask any Singapore family and they’ll tell you, finding a good maid can really change your household. A reliable helper doesn’t just help with chores; she becomes part of the household, someone you count on to care for your kids or your elderly parents when you’re busy at work. That’s why choosing the right maid agency matters.
Safety and trust must come before everything else. Whether you’re hiring a Myanmar maid, Indonesian maid, Filipino maid or a transfer maid who has worked in Singapore before, taking the right precautions ensures a smooth, secure, and positive relationship for everyone.
At Hire A Maid, we believe that safety begins long before your maid’s first day of work. Here’s a complete guide to the 10 safety protocols every Singapore employer should follow, from maid agency checks to emotional well-being to make your home a safe and happy one.
1. Choose A MOM-Licensed Maid Agency
Before signing any paperwork, confirm that your maid agency is a MOM-licensed maid agency and ethically accredited. This protects you from fraudulent or unverified placements. A reliable maid agency should provide:
- Full helper biodata with verified references
- Transparent fee breakdowns
- Legal employment contracts
Hire A Maid is proud to be a MOM registered maid agency in Singapore, known for clear communication, honest pricing, and well-trained domestic helpers from Myanmar and Indonesia.
2. Review Employment And Background Records Carefully
Your maids’ background isn’t just paperwork, it’s a glimpse into her strengths and suitability for your household. Request to see her past employment record, medical history, and training certificates.
For families hiring a new Myanmar maid or new Indonesian maid, look for traits like patience, attention to detail, and willingness to learn. A good maid agency will already verify her history and references, but it’s still worth asking questions yourself.
We only deploy domestic helpers who have completed rigorous training and verified background checks from our overseas training centres.
3. Understand The Legal And Financial Obligations
Before you bring your maid in, make sure you fully understand MOM’s requirements.
Employers must:
- Provide medical insurance and personal accident coverage
- Post a security bond (S$5,000 for non-Malaysian FDWs)
- Cover her medical screening and settling-in costs
These steps aren’t just legal requirements, they’re safeguards that protect both you and your helper in case of emergencies. A reliable maid agency like Hire A Maid will walk you through every form and renewal reminder, ensuring full compliance with MOM domestic helper regulations.
4. Schedule A Comprehensive Medical Screening
Health and safety go hand in hand. Before starting work, your domestic helper must pass a medical examination approved by MOM. This includes checks for infectious diseases, general fitness, and mental well-being.
Employers are also responsible for arranging her 6-monthly medical examination, 6ME throughout the employment period.
If you are unsure how to handle medical situations correctly, including clinic visits, medical leave, or work injuries, our guide on what to do when your domestic helper is unwell or injured explains the exact compliance steps Singapore employers must follow.
Our team works closely with accredited clinics and hospitals, making the entire process easy and transparent from documentation to reminder updates.
5. Provide Safety Training On Household Appliances
Every home runs differently. The washing machine, gas stove, and even the iron can be unfamiliar to a new helper. Spend some time showing her how to use appliances safely, especially those that involve electricity, sharp tools, or hot surfaces.
Encourage your maid to ask questions and repeat demonstrations until she’s confident. A small amount of training now can prevent accidents later.
Our orientation sessions include household safety demonstrations and real-life role play to help new maids adapt to Singapore’s lifestyle safely.
6. Teach Your Indonesian Maid, Myanmar Maid Emergency And First-Aid
Your maid should know exactly what to do during emergencies like fire, gas leak, or medical issues involving family members. Keep a printed list of emergency contacts (in English and her native language) near the kitchen or main door.
Encourage her to memorise emergency numbers like 995 (ambulance/fire) and 999 (police). If your household includes children or elderly persons, teach her how to handle situations calmly and safely.
Our maid agency provides helpers with basic first-aid and emergency protocol training before deployment.
7. Set Clear Expectations And Communication Boundaries
Many misunderstandings between employers and their domestic helpers stem from unclear expectations. Discuss house rules early from mobile phone use to meal times and curfews and explain the reasons behind them.
Keep the tone respectful and kind. A helper who understands the “why” behind the rule is more likely to follow it willingly. Communication should always be open and non-threatening.
8. Protect Your Personal And Family Privacy
In today’s digital world, it’s important to remind your helper about privacy and social media boundaries. Politely explain that personal family matters, children’s photos, or private routines should never be shared online.
At the same time, employers should also respect the helper’s privacy and provide her with personal space and time off as per MOM’s rest-day policy. Mutual trust is built on mutual respect.
9. Build Safety Awareness Through Routine Check-Ins
Safety doesn’t end on day one; it’s an ongoing process. Set aside time weekly or monthly to check in with your helper. Ask if she’s comfortable, if she notices any safety issues, or if she needs help using any appliances.
This not only helps you identify risks early but also makes your helper feel supported. A happy and confident helper is far less likely to make dangerous mistakes.
We encourage employers to maintain consistent communication and feedback loops to strengthen long-term working relationships.
10. Prioritise Your Domestic Helper’s Emotional Safety And Well-Being
Finally, remember that emotional safety matters as much as physical safety. Many foreign domestic workers leave behind children and families to work in Singapore. Adjusting to a new home, language, and routine can be overwhelming.
Be patient, empathetic, and encouraging. A simple “thank you” or word of appreciation goes a long way. When helpers feel respected and emotionally secure, they perform better and stay longer.
Our maid agency’s philosophy is built on human connection, empathy, and care ensuring both employers and helpers thrive together in a positive, respectful environment.
Why Partnering With A MOM-Licensed Maid Agency Ensures Safety At Every Step
Many families underestimate how much safer it is to work through a reliable MOM-license maid agency. From legal paperwork to medical records and flight arrangements, a good maid agency manages all details with precision and integrity.
You’ll have peace of mind knowing your helper is:
- Properly trained and insured
- Legally documented with verified background
- Supported by a maid agency that provides post-placement care
Hire A Maid stands out in Singapore not only for our professionalism, overseas training centres, and reliable post-deployment support, but also for being recognised as the most affordable maid agency in Singapore without compromising on quality, safety, or service standards.
Conclusion
Hiring a foreign domestic helper isn’t just a transaction; it’s a partnership built on safety, respect, and understanding. By following these 10 essential safety steps, you protect not just your household but also the well-being of the person who keeps it running smoothly.
A secure, happy helper is also essential for long-term affordability when hiring a maid, as stable and well-managed placements reduce costly replacements and disputes.
Ready To Find Your Trusted Helper?
With over 250,000 foreign domestic workers now employed in Singapore, finding the right Myanmar helper or Indonesian helper requires expertise, diligence, and genuine care. Starting your journey toward household harmony is simple.
Contact us today for a free consultation!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Safety And Hiring A Domestic Helper
1. What are the key safety checks I should do before hiring a foreign maid in Singapore?
Always verify that your maid agency is MOM-licensed and that your maid’s biodata, medical report, and employment history have been authenticated. Ask about background verification and training certifications and the maid agency’s pricing. This prevents fraudulent placements and ensures a legally compliant, safety-ready hire.
2. What legal responsibilities do employers have for their domestic helpers’ health and safety?
Employers must provide medical insurance, personal accident coverage, and schedule the 6-monthly medical examination (6ME). These are mandatory under MOM regulations and safeguard both the helper and employer in the event of illness or injury.
3. How can I protect my family’s privacy while maintaining trust with my maid?
Discuss digital privacy and household confidentiality upfront. Explain politely that personal family matters or photos shouldn’t be posted online. At the same time, respect your maid’s need for privacy and rest; mutual trust is key to a safe home environment.
4. What safety training should I give my maid after she arrives?
Provide hands-on instruction for household appliances, gas stoves, and cleaning chemicals. Walk through fire and emergency procedures, and display a list of important contacts in English and her native language. A short safety orientation reduces risks and builds confidence from day one.
5. How can I prepare my maid for emergencies like fire or medical situations?
Go through basic emergency procedures such as fire exits, gas shut-off valves, and first-aid steps. Keep emergency numbers (995, 999) and family contacts in a visible spot. Regular refreshers help your maid stay confident and calm in urgent situations.
