National Statistics Office figures yesterday pointed out that a total of 915 people had an accident while at work in the third quarter of this year.

Of those 915 accidents, two were fatal and the most common group (by far) where people got hurt at work were those between 24 and 34 years of age. Malta has made great strides forward in terms of safety at work.

Yet, it is still common to see workmen without hardhats and steel-toed boots. Construction workers still dangle precariously as they go about their work. Of course, the age bracket where most accidents take place is indicative of what part of the problem is. If you add to the mix, the fact that most of these accidents involve males, then the problem becomes even clearer.

The fact of the matter is that as Maltese, we are a risk-taking people. One need only mention housewives hanging out of three-storey-high sills to clean their windows to get a better idea.

While some accidents can never be prevented (hence the term accident) others are avoidable, while injuries caused by others can be mitigated by following correct procedure or wearing proper safety gear.

Training is another essential component in order for workers to remain safe. If they are shown the proper way to do things, by a qualified instructor, matters will be infinitely better than if they are shown by another worker who has ‘experience’.

Education, of course, is key. Knowledge of one’s rights while at work is paramount .If an employer is making people work in conditions which are unsafe, then workers should be provided (beforehand) with the knowledge of where they can go to seek redress.

Of course, employers have their own obligations. They must ensure that all training and equipment is provided, but at the same time, it is imperative that they monitor staff to ensure that instructions are followed, safety gear is used and that best practice is observed.

Of course, in today’s day and age, everything gets a bit hectic and this is where the OHSA comes in. This authority must continue to carry out inspections at places of work, but at the same time must not simply fine people or haul them to court. The onus is on education, training and knowledge. Sometimes a timely slap on the wrist, or a word in someone’s ear is enough.

Lives are priceless. Too many are lost through illness, disease and on our roads. The least we can all do is to protect ourselves as best we can… but we can never forget, a life can be snuffed out in an instant. All it takes is one bad decision or a bit of bad luck.