Educational campaign on workplace health and safety

The Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin and the Malta Employers' Association are embarking on an educational campaign to raise awareness about health and safety on the workplace.

During a joint press conference yesterday, the two entities said it was time to steer clear of mere talk and turn to action. "We believe that with some extra attention and education we can avoid some of the accidents," MEA president Pierre Fava said, adding that the need for such a campaign had been felt for a long time.

The campaign will be kicking off through radio adverts in the coming days and rolling out to other media, Jesmond Bonello, from the UĦM, explained. The aim is to bring about a change in mentality and eradicate carelessness once and for all.

UĦM general secretary Gejtu Vella stressed the need to raise awareness about how to avoid accidents.

"We need to continue working together to make sure that workers do not take unnecessary risks," he said. He also stressed the importance of strengthening the Occupational Health and Safety Authority so that it could also research the dangers that exist at work places.

Every worker has a family and it is imperative that the worker returns home safe and sound.

"We believe that many accidents could be avoided and this worries us," MEA director general Joseph Farrugia said. The issue of health and safety at the workplace has gained prominence lately, with unions calling for stronger enforcement action after a spate of fatal accidents and the government pledging to boost the powers of the Occupational Health and Safety Authority.

The General Workers' Union last month held a national conference on the subject.