OHSA's legal remit (2)

I filed a report with the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) on February 28 about scaffolding at a construction site at Malta International Airport.

The scaffolding was not up to standard and it lacked safety features for all to see. On April 19 (a very windy day) I noticed a worker making use of dangerous scaffolding in such conditions, obviously endangering his life. I called an OHSA officer responsible for construction matters, who politely explained that while he appreciated my interest and confirming the report I had previously made, only one officer was available to monitor all the construction sites all over Malta and Gozo due to understaffing problems.

This is truly a shame, considering that Malta is practically one big construction site. I appeal to the authorities to see that are sufficient officers to safeguard workers' health and safety.

Although our legislation clearly states that it is the sole responsibility of the employer to protect workers' health and safety, it is evident that without proper enforcement, unfortunately we would hear of more injuries and fatalities at our workplaces, especially construction sites. We are tired of hearing boring speeches on the First of May celebrations of how much our political parties have the workers at heart.

I appeal to the government to act now. People chose the EU for better standards. An appeal to the Opposition: it is time to raise awareness of such issues and, why not, promise that once it is in government the OHSA would be given more power and funds.