www.ohsa.org.mt, the new website of the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) is now online, having been restyled and updated.

The website now provides a wealth of information on occupational health and safety (OHS) and the services offered by the OHSA via interactive search pages, making it an essential visit to all. Indeed, prior to its official launch, the website was online for three months. During this period of time, nearly 3,000 people visited the site, with nearly 100,000 hits being registered. The visitors accessing this site hailed mostly from Malta but there were a substantial number from the United States, followed by the United Kingdom, Austria, Italy, Hungary, Germany and even Turkey and Taiwan, among others.

Commenting on the new website, OHSA chief executive officer Mark Gauci, said “Online communication has become fundamentally important with an ever increasing number of people now using the internet to access services and meet their information needs.”

“The OHSA has always been keen to ensure that it communicates with as wide a section of the community as possible. Our aim with the new website is to offer everyone clear and understandable information on OHS – whether they are workers, employers, self-employed, students or people having an individual interest in the subject,” Dr Gauci continued.

Navigation to find the information of one’s choice is made simple by following the areas of interest on the left of the webpage, where one will find detailed information on each topic. Corporate information and services are accessible from the top of the page.

Through the website one can also access a directory of legislation pertaining to OHS in Maltese and English as well as guidelines and publications. Documents open for consultation are also available on the website. One can also consult the Register of Competent Persons who can advise on OHS matters.

“I particularly encourage people soliciting outside expertise on OHS matters to visit the new site to check whether the person or entity is registered as a competent person with the OHSA. The number of persons claiming to be experts on the subject is sprouting like mushrooms in Malta and this register will help clients verify competence,” Dr Gauci said.

Additional features on the website include a list of activities carried out by OHSA, training courses being organised, a children’s corner as well as a downloadable assistance form and accident reporting form.

“The website will make it easier for people to communicate with the OHSA and access its services. If people access the site and give us their feedback, this would lead to better quality OHS in Malta,” Dr Gauci concluded.

The website was designed by web agency net-presence.com following extensive discussions. The company is also working with OHSA to develop an intranet.