(Updated on September 7, 2023)
Here are some safety guidelines to give domestic workers during the typhoon season in Hong Kong:
- Stay Informed: Employers should advise their domestic workers to stay updated with the latest public announcements, weather information and typhoon warnings issued by the Hong Kong Observatory. Encourage them to read and follow the safety instructions and guidelines provided by the Hong Kong government or Labour Department Hong Kong.
- Secure Outdoor Items: Employers should instruct their domestic helpers to secure or move indoors any outdoor items such as furniture, potted plants, or any loose objects that could be blown away or cause damage during strong winds.
- Stay Indoors: Employers should explain to their helpers regarding the importance of staying indoors during the typhoon. Strong winds and heavy rain can pose a serious risk, and it’s safer to remain inside until the weather conditions improve.
- Keep Emergency Supplies Ready: Employers should make sure their domestic worker know the location of the emergency kit and how to use its contents. This should include essential supplies, including non-perishable food, bottled water, flashlight, batteries, a first aid kit, necessary medications, and a portable battery-powered radio.
- Maintain Communication: Employers can establish a clear communication plan with their domestic helpers. Ensure they have a charged mobile phone and keep it accessible at all times. Agree on a designated meeting place within the home or a nearby safe location in case of separation for an emergency case.
- Be Cautious of Flooding: Employers can advise their domestic helpers to be cautious of potential flooding during heavy rains and storm surges. Instruct them to avoid low-lying areas or areas prone to flooding, such as basements or ground floors.
- Use Safe Routes: If domestic helpers needs to venture outside, advise them to use safe routes and avoid areas with fallen trees, damaged structures, or flooded roads. Instruct them to follow the instructions of local authorities and use designated evacuation routes if necessary.
- Be Prepared for Power Outages: Inform your domestic helper about the possibility of power outages during a typhoon. Make sure they know the location of emergency lighting and how to use it safely. Encourage them to conserve battery power on electronic devices and to keep portable chargers handy.
- Stay Away from Windows: Instruct your domestic helper to stay away from windows during the typhoon. High winds can cause objects to break or shatter windows, potentially causing injury.
- Report Damages and Emergencies: Emphasize the importance of promptly reporting any damages, injuries, or emergencies to you or the local authorities. Provide them with emergency contact numbers and ensure they know how to use them.
Remember to have open communication with your domestic helper and address any concerns they may have. By providing them with clear safety instructions and advice, you will help them minimise the risk of getting injured during the typhoon season in Hong Kong more effectively.
Can you ask domestic workers to work during Typhoon No.8?
No, employers should not request foreign domestic workers to work outdoors during Typhoon Signal No. 8 in Hong Kong. When Typhoon Signal No. 8 is hoisted, it indicates that winds with sustained speeds of 63 to 117 kilometers per hour or more are expected or are already blowing. At this level of typhoon signal, it is considered unsafe for anyone to be outdoors.
The Hong Kong Observatory issues the Typhoon Signal No. 8 to alert people of the potentially dangerous conditions during a typhoon. The signal is an indication for people to stay indoors and take necessary precautions for their safety.
As an employer, it is your responsibility to prioritize the well-being and safety of your domestic helper. During Typhoon Signal No. 8, it is important to ensure that your domestic helper stays indoors and follows the guidance and instructions provided by the Hong Kong Observatory and local authorities.It is recommended to have clear communication with your domestic worker about the procedures to follow during a typhoon, including staying at home, securing the premises, and preparing emergency supplies. Avoid requesting them to work outdoors during such hazardous conditions to prevent any risk to their safety and well-being.
Can you request domestic workers to work outdoors during a Black Rainstorm Warning?
No, employers should not request foreign domestic workers to work outdoors during a Black Rainstorm Warning in Hong Kong. A Black Rainstorm Warning is issued by the Hong Kong Observatory when heavy rain is expected or already occurring, resulting in significant disruptions and a high risk of flooding.
During a Black Rainstorm Warning, it is considered unsafe for people to be outdoors due to the potential dangers associated with heavy rainfall and flash flooding. The warning is an indication for people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel or outdoor activities.
As per the labour law, it is employer’s responsibility to prioritize the safety and well-being of domestic helpers. During a Black Rainstorm Warning, it is important to ensure that your domestic helper remains indoors and follows the guidance and instructions provided by the Hong Kong Observatory and local authorities.
Encourage your domestic helper to check the weather conditions constantly, maintain communication with you, and take necessary precautions within the home. Do not request or expect them to work outdoors during a Black Rainstorm Warning, as it can pose a serious risk to their safety.
Typhoon No.8 on domestic helper’s rest day
In the event of a T8 (or higher) signal being in effect on a domestic helper’s rest day, the employer should consider one of the following options:
- It is advisable to inform your domestic helper to stay at home for safety reasons, utilize the day off to rest. Please note that if she chooses to rest at home, you cannot require her to work.
- Check with your helper if she is open to rescheduling her rest day to another day and performing indoor tasks instead.
- If your helper insists on going out during her rest day, remind her to avoid the travel in outdoor areas. However, it is important to remember that as the employer, you will be responsible for her medical expenses if she sustains any injuries on her rest days. If your helper is covered with mandatory domestic helper insurance, make sure that the health insurance policy will cover the general medical fee for emergency cases or accidents during T8 typhoon.
See also: Mandatory Helper Insurance
Contract And Visa Renewal For Filipino Maids
Every two years, employers need to renew foreign domestic helper’s employment contract and visa at the Immigration Department and the respective Consulate. You may contact HelperChoice team through Whatsapp to process Filipino maid’s contract and visa for you. In general, it will take two weeks time to complete the visa processing.
HelperChoice also provides other visa processing services for overseas domestic workers, which will include 2 years mandatory insurance for domestic workers. Please contact us via Whatsapp for more details.
See also: Visa Processing Services For Filipino Maids
About HelperChoice
HelperChoice is an ethical maid agency in Hong Kong since 2012. It is licensed by the Labour Department Hong Kong. It provides an online platform for domestic helpers matching and visa processing services for direct hire. Employers may register an account for free and browse helpers’ profiles in accordance with their job requirements, current employment status of the helpers, current location and so on. HelperChoice also works closely with local NGOs such as Enrich Hong Kong, PathFinders, Help For Domestic Workers etc.