Authority issues safety guidelines for journalists

The Occupational and Safety Authority has issued Good Practice Criteria to media organisations to ensure that the lives of journalists, photographers and cameramen are safeguarded.

In a press release, the authority said the ultimate philosophy should be the recognition that no single story, no matter how dramatic, is worth a life.

It pointed out that while media organisations constantly competed over who can transmit the latest news, some journalists, photographers and cameramen may unintentionally imperil their lives for sensational reports and images.

While the situation in Malta was different than that faced in war-torn countries or areas rife with violence, situations did arise which could pose a danger such as fireworks explosion and entering construction sites or quarries.

"The authority has been approached by a number of journalists and photographers expressing their concern about such assignments, particularly the pressure exerted on them by editors who seem more intent on obtaining a scoop without, perhaps, considering the risks these people may be exposed to or the fact that this matter also falls under the remit of occupational health and safety legislation in force," it said.

Among its several guidelines, the OHSA said employers must conduct a risk assessment covering all the employees and their places of work.

Journalists, photographers and cameramen should be offered training about any risks they might face during the course of their employment, wherever this may take them.

Journalists were advised not to enter an area unless given the necessary go-ahead from the police or the Civil Protection Department. They should not, under any circumstances, take unnecessary risks to capture sensational images. Although the site might appear safe, trained personnel might be aware of other hazards which are not immediately apparent to the untrained eye.

The authority also points out that journalists, photographers and cameramen might suffer psychological trauma when faced with the horrors of a fatality.

"While one should point out that it has been proven that the majority of journalists cope well with adversity, it is equally important to note those who do not. It is, therefore, imperative for media organisations to address the psychological health of their employees," the authority said.