Nearly 2,000 People Already Received Free Health & Safety Training
More than 2,000 people have received free training on occupational health and safety during the first 100 days of the Government, as part of an initiative aimed at strengthening awareness, prevention and protection among workers, self-employed persons, employers and volunteers.
The initiative was announced by Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Labour Jonathan Attard during an update on measures implemented following Budget 2026. Through this scheme, the Government allocated €400,000 over 24 months for the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) to provide free specialised training.
The measure, which was also included in the electoral manifesto, is intended to ensure that the protections introduced through new legislation translate into improved standards for workers across different sectors, including voluntary organisations. Minister Attard said the strong response demonstrated the growing demand for greater knowledge and expertise in health and safety, while highlighting the importance of the subject across all areas of society.
He noted that OHSA’s specialised courses had previously reached an average of just over 150 people annually, but that in the past three months alone, 2,000 people had already received training.
A further 800 people are registered for sessions taking place until the end of the year, with 57 sessions already scheduled and the possibility of additional courses being organised. The training programme provides wider access to specialised courses covering workplace health and safety, as well as mental health.
Participants include small businesses, self-employed persons and workers from sectors such as aviation, construction, manufacturing, retail, restaurants and hospitality, as well as care and wellbeing services.
Voluntary organisations, NGOs, local councils, Church entities and community groups are also benefiting from the initiative. Minister Attard said the Government would continue expanding access to training and addressing risks linked to changing workplaces, adding that health and safety remained a shared responsibility.
The Government is also investing in training for volunteers, allowing them to carry out projects and activities with greater awareness and preparation, particularly when identifying and assessing possible risks.
OHSA Chief Executive Josianne Cutajar said that voluntary work does not mean that activities are free from risk, stressing that anyone involved in a project should understand potential hazards and be prepared to protect their own health and safety, as well as that of others.
She said the opening of the OHSA training centre in 2025 represented an important step in strengthening workplace health and safety culture. She added that the authority would continue investing in practical and specialised training, supported by research, technical expertise and innovative methods, including artificial intelligence.
During the conference, a video featuring testimonials on the benefits of the training was also shown. Youth and Scout Development Commissioner Daniel Cassar highlighted the value of the initiative for adults involved in organising activities, while also stressing its wider educational impact within communities.
Also present were Permanent Secretary within the Ministry Ronald Mizzi, OHSA Board Chairman Pierre Fava, and representatives of various stakeholders and organisations that participated in the training programme.
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