Official statistics about occupational accidents during the first quarter of the year showed a disquieting increase when compared to the same period last year, Marie-Louise Coleiro-Preca, Labour Party spokesperson for social solidarity said.

The increase of 1,032, or 3.3 per cent, showed that not enough was being done in the sector not only to reduce the occupational risks for workers but also to reduce the number of accidents.

The situation was of concern for those who had the family and worker welfare at heart, Ms Coleiro-Preca said.

The places of work which presented most risks were manufacturing and construction industries. The government needed to show more commitment and political will to equip the Occupational Health and Safety Authority properly to address the situation.

The government should also help the workers who ended up injured, and their families, to overcome the trauma which accidents caused and to help them rehabilitate themselves.