The country’s economy is growing rapidly, but occupational health and safety is not given enough importance, Union Haddiema Maqghudin secretary-general Gejtu Vella (photo) said yesterday.

UHM decided to call a media conference a day after a Syrian man fell and died tragically while painting in Zurrieq.

Accidents at the workplace, particularly those involving foreigners, are not being taken seriously, said Mr Vella, adding that the human life must be given utmost priority.

Somehow, before Malta joined the EU, occupational health and safety was one of the country’s main priorities, but that changed now, said the UHM secretary-general.

The Occupational Health and Safety Authority’s budget for 2008 increased from Lm640,000 (EUR1.5 million) this year (it was unchanged between 2006 and 2007) to Lm699,000 (EUR1.6 million), but the authority only employs seven occupational health and safety inspectors.

“What we are saying is that every worker, Maltese or foreign, working legally or otherwise, must be treated with dignity and respect,” said Mr Vella.

He said every human life must be respected and the employer should be held responsible for his workers, in line with the current directive under discussion in the EU, which would provide for sanctions against employers of illegally staying third country nationals.

“The government should embark on an education campaign to change the mentality regarding the way we work. There has to be more investment in occupational health and safety, and we definitely need more inspectors.”