The Union Haddiema Maghqudin (UHM) yesterday launched a hard-hitting awareness campaign on health and safety at the workplace aimed at employers, employees and their families, with a particular emphasis on workers in the construction industry.

The campaign, Health and Safety at the Workplace – Less Talk, More Action, will be spread over several months and will help create awareness through billboards, TV and radio adverts and information on the UHM website.

UHM president Gejtu Tanti said the union was seriously concerned about the number of fatalities that take place at the workplace – especially at construction sites.

“When compared to other countries, the number of fatal accidents that take place in Malta is relatively low but the union is still worried about these incidents,” he said.

Mr Tanti went on to say that the union was first to call, and insist, for immediate action when a number of fatal accidents took place last year.

Unfortunately, he added, a number of fatalities have already taken place this year.

“As a union we are insisting that action be taken and a message sent out to the workers and their employers,” he said.

UHM official Jesmond Bonello explained that the union is carrying out a study on construction sites to see whether these are in line with health and safety regulations.

“We found that many do not even have a risk assessment representative or a health and safety officer appointed by the management or the workers,” he said.

He explained that the union will approach the management of each site and inform them what has to be amended.

”Unfortunately there are several government entities, which should give the good example, who do not even have a risk assessment let alone follow the health and safety directives,” said Mr Bonello.

Although there are laws about health and safety, it is not enough as these are not implemented and enforced. Health and safety at the workplace is everyone’s responsibility and not only the employers’, he added.

Mr Bonello said there is a lack of training and awareness on health and safety and that this, as a result, might increase the number of fatal accidents.

UHM secretary general Gejtu Vella spoke out against the attitude that “nothing will happen to me” that many workers have.

“This island got into the habit of feeling sorry for people who die in a construction accident but then go on as usual,” he said.

Mr Vella said that on 28 November, after a number of fatal accidents that took place, the union had a meeting with Employment Minister Louis Galea and put forward a number of recommendations to improve health and safety in the workplace.

“Decisions need to be taken but are not because they might negatively impact the construction industry,” he said.

He explained that the union aims to place health and safety high on the employers’ and the national agenda and request the government to impose heavy penalties that will act as a deterrent to abuse of the law.

The union is also insisting that the government health and safety inspectorate be given the manpower and the tools to carry out more risk assessments before the accidents take place and not after.

“The campaign will send a message to the workers and their families – don’t forget that when there is a death, families are left without a father and a husband,” said Mr Tanti.

He also referred to foreigners working in the construction industry – many of whom are immigrants.

“The colour of their skin is not important – even if these are working irregularly they still have the right to be protected while working,” said Mr Tanti.

In fact, the billboard, which is found in front of Mater Dei Hospital depicts a young girl whose face is hidden by her hair and on the side, a few drops of blood with the slogan Health and Safety at the Workplace – Less Talk, More Action written on top.

Mr Tanti said the union does not want this campaign simply to remain a slogan but will insist with all political parties to include it as part of their electoral campaign for the upcoming general election.