https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/76503 2026-04-09T16:26:43Z 2026-04-09T16:26:43Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/116018 2023-11-30T08:16:26Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The pleasure (or harm) is in the work itself : an OHS mixed method study comparing work environments in two differently ventilated buildings for physiological and physical parameters including; quantification of Indoor mycological flora, sick building syndrome symptoms and water & moisture measurements within these buildings as markers of quality Abstract: The aim of this research was to obtain data using a variety of tools in order to determine if there is an association between building materials, indoor microbial contamination and the general health conditions from workers in purposely selected buildings; one naturally ventilated and one mechanically ventilated building, both with air conditioners. Other data collected included Water Activity and Moisture content from building materials. The data for occurrences of symptoms related to building occupancy was collected using a survey. These symptoms include but not limited to various types of irritations and headaches; the respondents were asked to rate the physical indoor environment of their office. The second part of data gathering was aimed to collecting data for ‘Water Parameters’ from various building materials using destructive techniques. The third part of data collection involved the sampling and analysis of air and surface samples for microbial contamination Results do not show that that the type of building influences the SBS symptomology occurrence, but nevertheless show an association between SBS symptoms and the ‘Scale’ the worker is employed, with lower scaled workers reporting higher occurrences. Similar findings were found when data for female workers was analyzed. Water Parameters show a clear difference in the quality of the building materials used for the building. Faculty of Economics, Management & Accountancy although much older than the Faculty of Health Sciences, is comprised of building material that has better levels of Water Activity and Moisture in most of the materials tested. Microbial air quality showed normal levels for microbial contamination excepted for office environments. Description: B. OHS(Hons)(Melit.)

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/116017 2023-11-30T08:15:22Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Determinants that increase health and safety risks for migrant construction workers in Malta Abstract: The construction boom that started around 2013 fuelled the need for more workers in the construction industry. Maltese workers were avoiding work on construction site preferring other less physically demanding jobs. The alternative to indigenous workers was to import the workforce, the timing coincided with an increase both in legal and illegal migration. Workers from poorer European countries, Africa, Asia and the middle-east started pouring in the country filling the lacuna for manpower, mainly for menial work. Statistics were showing that migrant workers on construction sites were involved in a disproportionate amount of accidents and even deaths, highlighting the fact that they might be more at risk than local workers. The purpose of this research was to identify the determinants that may increase health and safety risks of migrant workers on Maltese construction sites. A structured interview was drawn up and one hundred migrant workers and fifty Maltese workers were interviewed and the results of these interviews were analysed in a quantitative exercise. The results confirm the hypotheses that migrant workers are more at risk than their Maltese counterparts and that migrant workers can be a risk to other workers as well. The research result suggests that both the Health and Safety Authority and the employers have to take corrective actions in order to eliminate or reduce the increased risks. Some of the conclusions reached were that migrant workers need to be trained in health and safety matters including the safe use of personal protective equipment, language training should be an important part of the employee formation, supervisors must make sure that their instructions are well understood, medical tests and medical surveillance should be carried out prior to and during the employment of all workers and that workers must be made to feel safe while at work. The employers and the Health and Safety Authority should introduce new measures and ensure that existing legislation is followed and that all construction sites are compliant. Description: B. OHS(Hons)(Melit.)

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/116011 2023-11-30T08:14:51Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The aftermath of occupational accidents : the lived experience of Maltese employees Abstract: Background: According to the European Statistics on Accidents at Work (ESAW, 2019), accidents in the workplace are defined as an event during a typical day at work, which leads to physical or mental harm of the worker. Accidents at work occur on a daily basis, and in 2017 across the twenty-eight European Union states there were over 3.3 million non-fatal accidents which led to an increase of around 4,574 non-fatal accidents from the previous year. Following an occupational injury, employees may fully recover and return to normality whilst others may suffer more serious injuries and their recovery may take years or never fully recover (Wei-Shan, 2018). The lengthy process to recovery from impairment also impacts the psychological aspect of the person and research has shown that injured workers have displayed higher depression symptoms and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) which had an impact on the return to work, family, at times even leading to suicides (Lin et al., 2013). Aim: This study focused on the aftermath of occupational accidents – the lived experience of Maltese employees. The main purpose was to bring forward the experiences and perspectives of persons, who had an occupational accident, and how their lives were affected. This study also aimed to give a glimpse of the local reality and learn from the actual life of those who have experienced an occupational accident. The findings will lead to the recommendations for policy and practice, which will be presented with the scope of increasing awareness and knowledge on the topic. Method: A qualitative study was carried out through the use of semi-structured interviews. An interview guide was drawn and used as a baseline during the interviews that were carried out with eight participants. All interviews were then transcribed, and the generated data was analysed through thematic analysis. The data analysis was dominated by five main overarching themes namely, Disability, Health and Safety, The Aftermath, Family Dynamics and Return to Work, which were further subdivided into subthemes accordingly. Results: The aftermath of the accidents varied depending on the participants’ disability percentage. Although all had been affected in many ways, participants acknowledged their new ‘normal’ and adapted to the situation. It was found that the Maltese infrastructure and environment does not always aid those who have a permanent impairment although various guidelines have been published. The accident also brought changes to the work that used to be performed prior to the accident in that participants had been re-instated in different jobs requiring lesser movements and a reduced workload at the same workplace. Others were still trying to get back to work either due to the disability or because they were still undergoing operations and therapy. The results also showed that, notwithstanding the accidents, not all employers had taken the necessary safety measures immediately. Findings also indicated that most of the employees have learnt from the negative experience and are bringing to attention those who are still practicing unsafe working methods. Recommendations: From this research, a number of recommendations have emerged, such as the importance of observing Occupational Health and Safety legislation, and the guidelines for the proper planning of infrastructure. More awareness is required regarding Health and Safety and this topic should be introduced more in schools so that it becomes ingrained in the new generation of workers. Return to work policies are to be implemented, for example, to introduce phased entrance to work. Psychological assistance is recommended not only for the victim but also for the close family members, who would all require adapting to the new ‘normal’. Description: B. OHS(Hons)(Melit.)

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/115996 2023-11-28T08:17:13Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The barriers perceived by migrant workers in occupational health and safety in Malta Abstract: Historically, multitudinous people chose to migrate searching better quality of life, in which work is essential to achieve their objective. Regardless of the destination is chosen, academic literature reveals that migrant workers are confronted with common barriers in occupational health and safety, severity fluctuates not solely at the place of work, but also on external factors, such as political and social climates within hosting countries. The choice of this study was further encouraged following the realization that there was no evidence in the literature on the selected title of this work with specific regard to the island of Malta. The extent of potential barriers was targeted at the hospitality and catering industry which is one of the local leading and thriving sectors on the island and its dependencies. In addition to these measurements, it was considered of value to gauge the workers’ perception vis-à-vis the social, political, and occupational climate, as well as to see if there any possible association between the barrier’s frequency and the workers’ gender, or work experience. Responses confirmed that migrant workers in Malta are burdened with some but not all of the barriers while showing different levels amongst them. Different levels of barriers’ grades were discovered, data analysis producing a variation of results. There was minimal association between the identified barriers and gender and the length of work experience. Similar outcomes were also discovered regarding the political, social, and occupational climate. Academic literature reveals that migrants’ perception vis-à-vis the barriers are generally curtailed. Substandard living and working conditions in their native country, and a conjoint of better conditions and spurious integration policies and climate, deceive migrants’ perceptions. Barriers themselves, do not only hinder the well-being and safety of migrant workers, but frequently breach legislations, besides possibly impeding workers’ fundamental human rights. Thus, the importance that all stakeholders, both occupationally and externally, holistically counteract to eradicate all barriers, pursuing total integration. Description: B. OHS(Hons)(Melit.)

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z