SG Accident Help Centre

For the fourth session of class, we went on a field trip! We visited the SG Care/SG Accident Help Centre (SAHC). We were first introduced to the problems faced by migrant workers who were injured in Singapore, and how SAHC tries to help them, and the limitations they themselves faced. We then spoke to the migrant workers and had a meal with them. Many of the stories they shared were heart-wrenching, in that not only were these migrant workers already vulnerable when coming to Singapore and having to pay their agents, but their injuries make them even more vulnerable to further exploitation.

As much as SAHC tries to advocate and assist these foreign workers, there are limitations to what they can achieve - the cost of these accidents and subsequent recovery is simply insurmountable. And when no one is able to take responsibility for it, the one who suffers is the migrant worker.

Nonetheless, I feel there were a few things that really stood out to me - community, narrative of victimization and burden on sufferer.

When we asked the staff where they receive funding to run the organization, they replied that it was mainly from the foreign workers themselves - those who they have assisted previously and who have now recovered. It was amazing to me this spirit of charity and looking out for one another that permeates the foreign worker’s community. Often during the walk and meals, the workers were always looking out for one another - ensuring their fellow brother had sufficient food, or crosses the road safely. I feel it is little actions like this which truly humanise the foreign workers - they are just like us, with the capacity to love, care and give.

The next thing I gleaned was a narrative of victimization. Definitely, these foreign workers, are victims of unforeseen circumstances which has rendered them helpless to varying extents. At the same time, I feel when the staff were speaking about how “we must help them because no one else will”, it robs autonomy from these already disadvantaged yet resourceful workers. Perhaps this narrative is necessary to evoke feelings of sympathy and empathy within us who are in positions of privilege. But we must not forget that these foreign workers are extremely intelligent and hardworking - some of them have businesses on the side, and go to churches for added assistance. However, I feel, in spite of the power differentials existing within the relationship, it is important for us not to double-victimize the foreign workers.

The third issue was the burden on the sufferer. While I understand that the purpose of trips like these are really to raise awareness of the invisible amongst us, I think it is important to not place further burden on the sufferer. I was personally hesitant to ask about the injuries that the foreign workers have survived because I am careful of how a repetition of the incident might be akin to relieving them. I think we need to be aware of how this might place undue and further mental health stress on the foreign worker.

In conclusion, this was the first time that SAHC is conducting such a tour, but I do hope that these ethical implications and our positionalities can be kept in mind. These will be especially relevant when we visit vulnerable population in India.