PN MPs Claudette Buttigieg and Marthese Portelli on Monday criticized the fact that a debate on the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) was opened by the authority’s chairman, who is also a Member of Parliament, instead of the minster responsible for the authority.

The evening’s debate on the financial estimates of the OHSA was opened by authority chairman Manuel Mallia, who is a Labour MP and a former minister.

Mallia noted that there had been a decrease in the number of injuries and fatalities in the workplace since 2002. He also remarked that 555 administrative fines were issued by the OHSA and 176 criminal proceedings were initiated.

The need for both human and financial resources was highlighted by Mallia as well as a number of MPs. He also mentioned the importance of self-regulation with the result that the OHSA has launched a number of activities related to information and guidelines.

One of the guidelines issued last year by the OHSA was regarding asbestos whereby all documents were consolidated and updated, mentioned Mallia. He also said that this document is now being referenced in the courts of law, not just by employers and employees. More guidelines will be issued regarding the rights and obligations of the employees and employer as well as the assembly of tower cranes by the end of 2018.

The fact that foreign workers are at a larger risk because of the language barrier as well as the lack of knowledge of their rights and obligations was noted by Mallia. As a result, he revealed that a campaign specifically aimed at foreign workers has been launched, with discussions already underway.

PN MP Claudette Buttigieg noted that only €1,000 were allocated for staff education within the operational expenses of the OHSA, as opposed to the €18,000 allocated for travel expenses. She remarked that whilst travel expenses were necessary the allocated amount for education was nowhere near enough. She gave examples of research areas that needed to be looked into including stress related to the workplace and illness due to asbestos.

Mallia, as chairman of the board, as well as his entitled two persons of trust and the cost of the board, amounted to €75,000, said Buttigieg. She said that this amount could be used to hire four new inspectors which were desperately required. Buttgieg also mentioned that the board had ordered for requirement to be put on-hold although the board had no executive function.