The Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA), in collaboration with the European Labour Authority (ELA) and various national entities, said Wednesday it has successfully conducted a series of coordinated inspections across Malta's construction sites.
These inspections are part of a broader initiative of ELA to ensure the enforcement of health and safety regulations as well as working conditions within the EU.
The OHSA said it emphasises the critical importance of maintaining rigorous health and safety standards on construction sites. The recent inspections, which involved the cooperation of the Department for Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER), JobsPlus, the Immigration Police, and Bulgarian labour inspectors as observers, underscore the value of joint efforts in upholding these standards, the OHSA said.
During the inspections, several infringements were identified, including issues with scaffoldings, risks of falls from heights, and non-compliance with labour laws such as unpaid overtime and lack of proper contracts.
These findings highlight the ongoing challenges in the construction industry and the need for continuous vigilance.
OHSA said it is committed to working alongside other entities, such as the ELA, to conduct these vital inspections. The joint inspections not only streamline the enforcement process but also foster a culture of compliance and safety that protects all workers.
The OHSA urged all stakeholders in the construction industry to prioritise health and safety and to comply with all regulations. By doing so, we can ensure a safer working environment for everyone involved and continue to build a resilient and responsible construction sector, the OHSA said.