Forensic lab work halted over health risks

The Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) has issued a stop order on work carried out at the Forensic Laboratories, which fall under the Finance Ministry, "in view of the serious risks to health".

The stop order means that court-appointed studies cannot be carried out on time and will translate into even more delays within the justice system.

Following an inspection on Friday at the laboratory, situated in Lower Merchant's Street, Valletta, the authority issued a stop order on work carried out in rooms where exhibits are stored and in the GC-MS laboratory where drug-related tests are carried out.

In a letter sent to Paul Zahra, the permanent secretary of the ministry, the OHSA explained that the order could only be revoked after a risk assessment is carried out, outlining all suitable, sufficient and systematic measures of all the occupational health and safety hazards.

The assessment should clearly outline the risks which may be present both during the work processes, as well as the resultant risks involved, among other things.

The letter, signed by OHSA officer Cedric Camilleri, ended by saying that work at the laboratory can only resume once the risk assessment is compiled and a copy forwarded to the authority. This should be followed by another inspection by an OHSA officer who will then re-assess the works carried out.

Forensic Lab. sources explained that the situation had been dragging on for about three years. People who worked at the laboratory were constantly promised that something would be done to improve the situation but nothing happened.

The sources said that agents and chemicals were scarce and the laboratory did not have drying chambers, safety and biological cabinets or a place were to store drugs that cost a lot of money. Even the electrical sockets were not up to standard.

After three years of waiting for a change the people who worked there felt they could no longer work in a laboratory without a safety framework and basic facilities. Concerned about their safety, they wrote to the OHSA. The authority inspected the premises and issued the stop order that same day.