The Occupational Health and Safety Authority's new premises were recently opened in Pieta`. The project cost Lm500,000.

With partial funding from the EU, the new premises are equipped with facilities to help safeguard the health and safety conditions at work. It is specially equipped for members of the Board of Protection against Radiation; a special room for medical staff specialised in occupational diseases and offices for inspectors in the field of construction, radiation and machinery.

"Safety and health is no longer an abstract concept but is on the agenda of the country and many Maltese enterprises," said Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi at the opening. "Occupational safety should not be seen as a burden but as an opportunity to help our economy."

He said he was satisfied with the incorporation of the EU directives into Maltese law by the OHSA without the need to increase red tape.

Youth, Employment and Education Minister Louis Galea said the information campaign on employers' legal obligations had to continue.

"The OHSA needs to continue emphasising the importance of developing health and safety policies in the workplace, that health and safety representatives are appointed and that risk evaluations are carried out.

Minister Galea pointed out that the OHSA had made a difference since it was set up.

"During its five years of operation, the rate of deaths at the workplace decreased from 10 to seven per 100,000 people," said Dr Galea. "The number of casualties and injuries on the workplace had fallen by almost 1,000."

The OHSA was set up in January 2002, with the aim of encouraging a health and safety conscience at work.