The Occupational Health and Safety Authority could soon be put in charge of overall public and health safety rather than focusing solely on the workplace, The Sunday Times of Malta has learnt.
Government sources said the authority may drop the term ‘occupational’ from its title and instead become the State’s new Health and Safety Authority, assuming responsibility for a wide range of duties.
“This is something we are considering as part of a reform which has been long overdue in the health and safety sector,” the spokesman said.
The OHSA conducts health and safety inspections on workplaces, as well as provides employers and staff with training courses. It is not currently responsible for health and safety at any public events.
Social Dialogue Minister Helena Dalli had called on OHSA chief executive Mark Gauci to draft recommendations for a reform in the wake of the Paqpaqli Għall-Istrina motor show crash, which injured 28 people last October.
A Porsche 918 Spyder supercar sped off the track and crashed into the crowd, seriusly injuring several spectators.
The Paqpaqli accident was one of several incidents this year to highlight the need for a better legal framework
Contacted yesterday, Dr Dalli would said the government was considering broadening the OHSA’s remit but did not elaborate.
She added that Dr Gauci’s recommendations had been presented to Cabinet and were now being formulated into a public consultation document to be released in the coming weeks.
Dr Gauci’s report also clarified that the OHSA was not responsible for the Paqpaqli Għall-Istrina incident, organised by the Malta Community Chest Fund, as it did not fall within its remit. The sources said another option could be to create a separate authority in charge of public safety. However, this was less likely.
President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca had said she would support all victims of the tragedy. A spokeswoman for the President, however, said that no requests had yet been made.
“The MCCF is supportive of all those who need its assistance, nonetheless no formal requests have been received from victims of the incident. Any formal request shall be dealt with through the established procedure,” the spokeswoman said.
The Paqpaqli accident was one of several incidents this year to highlight the need for a better legal framework. Other incidents included the collapse of a Paceville nightclub’s glass banister railing which injured 74 clubbers, many of whom were underage.
The government has also pledged to carry out a reform of the nightlife hotspot with several legal amendments already coming into force.
The government sources said one function that could be passed on to the reformed OHSA was fire safety compliance and venue certification.
Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela had last month said this was one issue that had fallen through the cracks over the years.