The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) have urged the public and contractors to temporarily halt outdoor works due to extreme weather conditions, while confirming that enforcement, site monitoring and safety inspections will continue uninterrupted.

In a statement, the BCA said that while the Authority is appealing for all construction works - particularly outdoor works - to be temporarily suspended for safety reasons, enforcement operations, site monitoring and necessary interventions will continue without interruption.

The BCA said that the services of the authority’s Enforcement Department will not be disrupted and will continue to operate normally.

The BCA urged contractors to take all necessary precautionary measures, including that of ensuring construction sites are kept clean and orderly, removing or securing any materials that could be carried or blown away by the wind, ensuring machinery is left in a safe position, and verifying that temporary structures, hoardings and façades are stable and capable of withstanding winds expected to reach Force 9.

“Each contractor remains fully responsible for identifying, mitigating and addressing any potential or existing hazards at their respective construction sites,” the statement said.

The BCA said that although the Authority’s offices in Marsa and Floriana will be physically closed to the public on Tuesday, 20 January, due to the extreme weather conditions, this will in no way affect the services of the Enforcement Department, which will remain available to respond to reports, complaints and risk situations.

The general public and sector operators are encouraged to continue reporting any hazards or breaches related to construction works through the helpline 138, which remains the official contact point of the BCA.

The Authority reiterated its appeal for responsibility and compliance with regulations and safety measures, while assuring the public that enforcement will continue in full and effectively despite the extreme weather.

In a separate statement, the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) is also calling for all outdoor work to cease immediately, as of this evening and not to resume tomorrow.

“This appeal excludes those providing essential or emergency services, such as personnel working within the Civil Protection Department and the Police,” the OHSA said.

The Authority appealed for collective responsibility and reminded employers of their duties, as Malta is expected to be affected by a severe storm that is forecast to persist tomorrow.

“This appeal is being made in order to safeguard the health of workers and third parties. The authority reminds that outdoor work which may endanger the health and safety of workers is in breach of law,” the OHSA said.

The OHSA said it will continue to carry out inspections to ensure the protection of health and safety at various workplaces.

In the event of an emergency, the public is encouraged to call 138.