OHSA Records 20 Workplace Fatalities in Both 2022 and 2023

Apr 19 2024

Workplace safety is a paramount concern for organizations worldwide, yet recent data reveals concerning trends in workplace fatalities. Analyzing statistics from 2022 and 2023 sheds light on the patterns and factors contributing to these tragic incidents.

According to the data, enterprises with 50 to 249 employees experienced the highest number of fatalities, highlighting the need for robust safety measures across all business sizes. Surprisingly, enterprises with 250 to 499 employees reported no fatalities, suggesting potential variations in safety protocols or environments.

Head injuries emerged as the leading cause of death, accounting for over 90% of all fatalities. This emphasizes the critical importance of head protection gear and preventive measures to mitigate such risks.

A deeper dive into the types of injuries reveals that concussions and internal injuries were prevalent, underscoring the need for comprehensive safety training and awareness programs to address these specific risks.

The construction sector emerged as the most high-risk industry, with 55% of all fatalities occurring within its confines. This sector demands heightened vigilance and targeted safety initiatives to safeguard workers from the inherent hazards associated with construction activities.

Another noteworthy finding is that a significant majority (65.0%) of victims held elementary occupations, highlighting the vulnerability of certain job roles and the necessity for tailored safety interventions catering to different occupational categories.

Examining the incidence rate over the past two years reveals fluctuations, with rates standing at 5.3 and 1.7, respectively, in 2022 and 2023. While the decrease in incidence rate is promising, it also signals the need for continuous monitoring and improvement of safety protocols to sustain this positive trajectory.

These insights underscore the imperative for organizations to prioritize workplace safety through proactive measures, including robust training programs, stringent adherence to safety regulations, and regular safety audits. By fostering a culture of safety and investing in preventive strategies, employers can effectively mitigate risks and protect their most valuable asset – their workforce.

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First Anti-Domestic Violence Measures Implemented

Apr 19 2024

The Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms, Rebecca Buttigieg, announced significant progress in combating domestic violence within just three months of launching the third National Strategy on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence. She highlighted key measures implemented to strengthen protections for victims.

Buttigieg made these statements during the presentation of the annual report by Commissioner Samantha Pace Gasan from the Commission on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence. The report underscores the achievements under the latest strategy titled ‘Ningħaqdu, Ninvolvu, Nelevaw’, launched in November, aligning closely with recommendations from the inquiry report by Emeritus Judge Geoffrey Valenzia.

Buttigieg emphasized an ongoing commitment to combat domestic violence, stating that legislative amendments based on recommendations from the Valenzia report are forthcoming. She also noted positive feedback from foreign diplomats regarding the strategy’s efforts to engage diverse communities within Malta.

Buttigieg applauded recent arrangements prioritizing medical services for domestic violence victims accompanied by law enforcement. Commissioner Pace Gasan highlighted collaborative efforts with various governmental and non-governmental entities through the Interministerial Committee, continuing awareness campaigns and training initiatives to address domestic violence comprehensively across different sectors.

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Man Injured After Getting Stuck Between Lifter & Truck

Apr 19 2024

A 44 year old man resident of Birkirkara had to be taken to Mater Dei Hospital at around 0830hrs after suffering injuries in Triq Clarens, Pieta.

District police convened immediately on site and preliminary investigations showed that the victim had gotten stuck between a lifter and a truck.

It seems as though he got stuck there whilst allegedly fixing the lifter.

A medical team was called on site and an ambulance transported him to Mater Dei Hospital, where he was certified as having suffered grievous injuries.

Police investigations are ongoing.

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Remove Work Limits For Persons With Disabilities, PL Candidate Urges

Apr 19 2024

Steve Ellul, a Labour Party candidate for the European Parliament elections, is advocating for amendments to ensure that large companies fulfill their obligation to employ people with disabilities instead of evading this requirement through low contributory payments.

His proposal aims to increase disability employment rates and enable individuals to realize their potential in the workforce.

Ellul highlighted during a Chamber of Commerce debate that despite the law mandating firms with over 50 employees to allocate 2% of their workforce to people with disabilities, the reality is stark: one in every five individuals relying on unemployment benefits is a person with a disability.

Currently, companies can bypass this requirement by paying a contribution capped at €10,000.

Ellul proposes eliminating this cap and making the contribution equivalent to the median wage of an employee, emphasizing that entrepreneurs should not exploit loopholes but comply with the law.

He stressed that in a tight labor market like Malta’s, excluding willing workers with disabilities is counterproductive. Ellul emphasized that this initiative is not charity; rather, it harnesses the potential of young individuals with disabilities to significantly contribute to Malta’s industries.

Furthermore, Ellul advocated for extending employment opportunities for people with disabilities within government entities exceeding 50 employees. He underlined the necessity of aligning legal amendments with comprehensive training programs for individuals with disabilities and employers to facilitate successful integration into the workforce.

Ellul believes that these policy changes will positively impact people’s lives and foster a more inclusive and productive society.

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