What is a workplace injury?
Workplace injury is when an employee is injured while they are working for their employer.
In Singapore, migrant domestic workers (MDWs) are not given specific legal protection under the Work Injury Compensation Act 2019. However, all employers of MDWs must buy personal accident insurance for their MDW which will cover injuries suffered by the MDW in her work.
MDWs can submit a criminal complaint to the police and under civil law if their employer fails to provide a safe and healthy work environment under the Workplace Safety and Health Act 2006.
Helpful Tips
- Seek medical help as soon as possible – make sure to keep a copy of any documents the doctor gives you.
- Inform your employer about the injury as soon as you can. Ask them to use the insurance to cover the costs of your medical expenses.
- Seek help from a lawyer or NGO if you are unsure of what to do with your workplace injury.
