OHSA Launches National Campaign ‘Spalla Għalik Fuq Ix-Xogħol’

The Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) has launched a national campaign aimed at raising awareness about mental health in the workplace and encouraging a culture of support, respect and inclusion among workers.

The campaign, titled ‘Spalla Għalik fuq ix-Xogħol’, was launched by Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Employment Jonathan Attard and OHSA Chief Executive Officer Josianne Cutajar during a visit to Malta International Airport (MIA), which was highlighted as an example of good practice in occupational health and safety.

The initiative focuses on addressing psychosocial risks at work, including excessive workloads, long working hours, poor communication, bullying and harassment. The OHSA said that mental health should be given the same importance as physical health and that workplaces must take steps to identify and address risks that can affect workers’ well-being.

Minister Attard said that MIA reflected the progress made through legislative reforms recognising mental well-being alongside physical health, making it a suitable location to launch the nationwide campaign.

As part of its efforts, the OHSA established a Psychology Unit in October 2025 to strengthen its work on psychosocial risks. The unit supports research, policy development and technical officers carrying out inspections related to these risks.

The Authority is also offering free training courses, in collaboration with the Richmond Foundation, focused on Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace and the Prevention of Psychosocial Risks. These courses aim to help employers, managers and workers recognise signs of distress and better support colleagues.

The campaign forms part of the European initiative ‘Together for Mental Health in the Workplace’, which the OHSA will lead locally. The Authority is encouraging employers and workers to take action, speak up and help reduce stigma around mental health.

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