The Occupational Health & Safety Authority (OHSA) has recently issued a leaflet to outline the basic tenets of the new law. In case you missed it or are not in Malta, here are the key points.
Every worker counts and every worker can contribute to the safety and security of the workplace. The main objectives of the new law are the following:
- Protecting mental and physical health of workers across all sectors
- Implementing stronger measures and mechanisms
- Fostering a prevention culture among workers and employers alike
Key responsibilities:
- Responsibilities of the OHSA
- Allocating more resources to operate effectively
- Enhancing skills and competences of its own workforce
- Introducing new legal measures for rapid intervention in high-risk situations
- Modernising operational procedures for more effective oversight
- Health & Safety Responsible Officer – when neccessary to receive reports and investigate, ensuring access for workers to continuous support at the workplace
- Conducting life consultations nationwide to ensure sectoral improvements.
- Employer Liability
- Risk and hazard identification
- Assesment of impact of risks on workers’ health
- Implementing necessary mesures to elimitate or control risks to workers’ health
- Provide appropriate training and information to workers, based on their role
- Ensuring competent supervision
- Employees’ Responsibilities
- Cooperate with employer & team
- Proper use of equipment supplied
- Reporting of hazards
- Engaging in continuous training
- Adopting correct behaviour that does not endanger the team and themselves.
The OHSA offers a helpline – 158 – for more information or any difficulties.
If you are an employer seeking to draft your policies and procedures from this perspective and require assistance, contact us for a consultation. We can provide assistance with preparing your handbooks, policies and procedures, or provide a review based on the size of your operation and workforce.
