The Occupational Health and Safety Authority has extended its operations through a hub in Gozo, the government announced.

Minister Atters emphasised the importance of the OHSA hub, and said that this represents a vital step to ensure the welfare of workers around the country.

The OHSA hub will serve as the authority's permanent presence in Gozo, and will make the OHSA services more accessible for the local community. He said that this office will move the OHSA closer towards businesses, employees and the people in Gozo. "This will not only facilitate direct comminication, but also encourages a stronger and more immediate rapport between the authority and the community."

Ministger Attard said that the opening of the hub is crucial to continue improving operational efficiency. "With inspectors based in Gozo, the authority would be able to respond more quickly to incidents, complaints and requests for information," the government said.

"This will lead to more efficient use of resources and to quicker solutions in the interest of all citizens," Attard said.

He also spoke about the proactive measures that the OHSA Hub will implement, including increased inspections at workplaces, particularly on construction sites, engineering facilities, offices, factories, and other establishments. This aims to continue promoting a culture of prevention before accidents occur, the government said.

Furthermore, the hub will serve as a central point for managing complaints, including those submitted through the helpline 138. "This initiative aims to give a stronger voice to workers and ensure their complaints are taken seriously. The inspectorate will be responsible for the initial assessment, planning of investigations, and follow-up to ensure effective and timely resolution," it said.

Minister Attard emphasized that investment in the OHSA Hub will also facilitate the collection of local data, which will help in creating targeted campaigns that have a "significant impact on the work reality in Gozo. This information will be vital to identify areas that need more attention," Minister Attard stated.

Minister Attard said that the responsibility of the Government, the authority, and employers is not only towards the workers, but also towards their families, the community, and the country's future. "Maintaining high standards of quality and safety in the workplace is not just a legal obligation, but also a moral one," Minister Attard concluded.

For his part, Minister Clint Camilleri said that "the opening of this new OHSA office in Gozo is an initiative that means a lot to us as a Government and as a community. This measure aligns with our vision to offer high-quality public services in a more accessible and efficient way for everyone, including those who live and work in Gozo. The presence of a dedicated OHSA team on the island will be a concrete help to improve quality of life, address complaints faster, and ensure more effective enforcement of regulations."

Minister Camilleri concluded by saying that the new office is not just a symbol of a modern vision for Gozo, but also a concrete tool that strengthens safety, social justice, and responsibility towards workers.

For her part, OHSA Chief Executive Josianne Cutajar thanked the entire team at the authority who worked on this project. "With the official opening of the Hub in Gozo, we are giving a stronger voice to workers, employers, and third parties so that we can assist where requested in the most efficient way and in the shortest possible time. With the concrete presence of the Authority in Gozo it can now be more proactive in its interventions to minimize workplace accidents," Cutajar concluded.