A contractor who defied orders to stop dangerous works highlighted by the Times of Malta last Friday will be facing legal action, the Occupational Health and Safety Authority has said. 

Workers were back at it this morning.Workers were back at it this morning.

OHSA officers visited the worksite on Sliema's Sir Arturo Mercieca street last Friday after the Times of Malta published a reader's photo showing a labourer destroying a roof he himself was standing on. The contractor was ordered to stop everything but remedial works until health and safety officers were on site. 

READ: Worker demolishes roof he is standing on

But the order, which the project supervisor confirmed, did not have the desired effect, with workers ploughing ahead with the risky works this morning. 

"They are back this morning doing the exact same thing!" the reader who had first highlighted the matter said. 

Photos taken this morning showed workers back at work destroying the crumbling roof and balancing precariously on ledges between gaping drops. 

The Times of Malta contacted the OHSA and informed them of the works, and CEO Mark Gauci confirmed that the authority would be pressing ahead with legal action. 

"Since there was a breach of an order issued in terms of the law, and the blatant disregard for health and safety, OHSA will be prosecuting against all those concerned," Dr Gauci said. 

Spotted a health and safety danger? Let the Occupational Health and Safety Authority know by calling 2124 7677 (9949 6786 outside of office hours) or by emailing ohsa@gov.mt

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