The government has announced the launch of a set of new legislative tools addressing construction regulations.
"These regulations are designed to raise health and safety standards for workers, prevent work-related accidents, and ensure clear responsibilities for all those involved in construction projects," The Minister for Justice and the Reform of the Construction Sector, Jonathan Attard, said.
He added that key objectives include the introduction of project supervisors, who must be listed in the register of competent persons found on the OHSA's website, the obligation to appoint a project supervisor for all non-domestic construction projects - with such projects being unable to commence without one - and clear lines of authority for these project supervisors, a government statement read.
The Minister said that the Government is committed to fostering a culture of increased safety and responsibility at construction sites. He acknowledged the inherent risks in the construction sector but spoke of the will to mitigate them through effective legislation, rigorous enforcement, and continuous education.
"These new regulations form part of a chain of changes that we have committed to implementing in recent months. Just yesterday, as a Government, we announced that on March 10th, a parliamentary debate will be held - a commitment we made to provide an account of our work in terms of the recommendations that emerged from the Jean Paul Sofia inquiry. We've done a lot, but there is still much more to be done to continue raising standards in the construction sector," Minister Attard said.
For her part, the CEO of the Occupational Health and Safety Authority, Josianne Cutajar, said that these new regulations are a crucial step in the Authority's ongoing efforts to enhance workplace health and safety within the construction sector.
The main features of the new regulations, the government said, include: 1) Mandatory project supervisors: "All non-domestic construction projects must appoint project supervisors from the OHSA's register of competent persons." 2) Clear lines of authority: "Project supervisors will have clear lines of authority and the power to stop work, if needed, if health and safety measures are not in place. 3) More clear risk assessments: All contractors and self-employed workers must provide written risk assessments. 4) New rights and duties for contractors and workers, including that they "must comply with the instructions given by the project supervisor." 5) New administrative penalties: "Reflecting the obligations of all parties involved."
At the same time, the OHSA will continue to carry out regular inspections to ensure compliance with the new regulations, the government statement continued.
The CEO also gave an explanation of the register of competent persons in health and safety. "This register will be established through an administrative instrument and will include, among other things, eligibility requirements, monitoring and compliance, and the application process. The updated Register of Competent Persons will be available on the OHSA website, the statement concluded.