The Occupational Health and Safety Authority wants councils and wardens to help monitor crane safety. Photo: Chris Sant FournierLocal councils and wardens have been urged to check that operators of cranes and mechanical equipment have necessary certification.
“I’m not saying that you should act instead of the authority – if you need anything or have any doubts call us,” said Kevin Gauci, from the Occupational Health and Safety Authority.
But he said they ought to check, for example, whether a tower crane and its platform set on a pavement were certified.
Mr Gauci was giving a presentation on scaffolding and cranes in a seminar for local councils organised by the authority, providing an overview of the laws covering mechanical equipment use.
“If used well, a tower crane is safer than a mobile crane. Regular inspections have to be carried out,” he said.
Authority officials did conduct checks but the mentality of certain contractors had to change, Mr Gauci said. These, however, were the exception and not the rule.
Meanwhile, the authority yesterday launched the 12th edition of the European Good Practice Awards in Occupational Safety and Health.
This award, organised with the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, aims to make all employers and workers aware of the benefits derived from good safety and health practices.
The theme for the 2014-15 award is Healthy Workplaces Manage Stress. It will recognise companies or organisations that have made outstanding and innovative contributions towards managing work-related stress.
Private and public companies and entities are encouraged to send in examples of how they manage stress at the workplace.
All submissions will be evaluated by independent judges and the winner will be announced during a ceremony in November.
Information and participation forms may be downloaded from www.ohsa.org.mt or by calling 2124 7677/8. Submissions can be sent to OHS Authority, 17, Edgar Ferro Street, Pieta PTA 1533 by October 6.