Infrastructure, Planning and Employment Minister Jonathan Attard has launched the consultation process for Malta's first National Occupational Health and Safety Strategy for 2027-2031, which will establish priorities for protecting workers, preventing workplace accidents and addressing emerging challenges brought about by changes in the labour market and technology.

Attard launched the consultation process during a conference entitled "Shaping OHS Together," organised by the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA).

The strategy will establish the country's priorities and direction in occupational health and safety over the next five years, with a particular focus on prevention, worker protection and adapting to emerging challenges in the world of work.

"Today marks the first public step towards developing Malta's first National Occupational Health and Safety Strategy up to 2031. Through consultation and collaboration with all stakeholders, we will be delivering on an electoral commitment aimed at safeguarding the health of Maltese and Gozitan workers," Attard said.

OHSA chief executive officer Josianne Cutajar said the strategy needed to reflect the actual needs of the country and the Maltese labour market, with clear targets and an action plan that could realistically be implemented.

"A national strategy is important because it prioritises the needs of the country and its workers. We need clear and tangible targets that maintain high standards and safeguard workers' well-being. Above all, it is important to have a feasible action plan, built around the resources that the country already has," Cutajar said.

The conference also included an address by Artur Furtado, Head of Unit DG Employment C2 within the European Commission, who spoke about developments and challenges in occupational health and safety at European level.

Silvan Mifsud, Director of Advisory Services at EMCS, gave a presentation on demographic changes in Malta and their impact on the composition of the labour market.

Anthony Casaru, a member of the Board of the European Commission's Advisory Committee on Safety and Health at Work, also spoke about ongoing strategic discussions at European level.

Two panel discussions were held during the conference, focusing on the implementation of reforms introduced over the past two years, as well as new challenges and opportunities in the workplace, including those arising from technological developments.

The event was attended by representatives from several organisations and institutions, including the European Commission, the University of Malta, the General Workers' Union, the Malta Employers' Association and UĦM Voice of the Workers.

The conference concluded with an address by OHSA chairperson Pierre Fava.