Call to mark world day of safety at workplace

The General Workers' Union has urged public bodies, the government and ecclesiastical authorities to fly flags at half mast today in remembrance of all workers who lost their lives at the workplace.

Today marks World Day for Safety and Health at Work, which was originally declared by the International Labour Organisation, to promote safe, healthy and decent work.

It has been observed by the ILO since 2003, stressing the prevention of accidents and illnesses at work. This day was "a significant tool" to raise awareness about how to make work safe and healthy and the need to raise the political profile of occupational safety and health, the GWU said.

The Union Ħaddiema Magħqudin said it hoped the recent appointment of a government health and safety board would lead to large-scale investment in health and safety resources.

It called on the government to invest in educating workers and enforcing security measures to ensure their safety was given due importance.

The laws also had to be updated to genuinely reflect the importance of workplace health and safety, the UĦM insisted.