https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/6600 Sat, 04 Apr 2026 10:15:11 GMT 2026-04-04T10:15:11Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141755 Title: The physical and psychological health impact of remote working amongst educators in Malta Abstract: The significant rise in remote work activity amongst educators and the emergence of new risks deriving from the usage of new technologies have drastically altered the way educators perform their duties, implicating new hazards and risks for their physical and psychological health, and wellbeing of educators whilst performing their duties. This dissertation investigates remote work activity practices executed by educators in Malta in different educational institutions and their subsequent physical and psychological health effects implications. The research adopts a quantitative approach, utilising a survey questionnaire to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current situation in the educational sector in Malta in respect of remote works activity, aiming to collect data on various physical and psychological health indicators, remote works practices and institutional interventions. The data obtained is analysed using a statistical method to identify the incidence of health and safety issues and any correlations with factors such as gender, training and information provision, DSE provision from the respective institutions, work life balance and issues to disconnect from work due to remote working. Results indicate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder injuries and psychosocial issues amongst educators performing remote work activities, attributed to inadequate ergonomics, lack of support from their institutions and blurred boundaries between work and personal life. The dissertation discusses the implications of these findings and provides a set of recommendations to ultimately improve the existing remote work activity practices amongst educators in Malta, consequently, to improve occupational health and safety standards in the educational sector in the context of remote working activities. Additionally, the study advocates further improvement and actions to foster a supportive remote working environment to reduce the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries and psychosocial setbacks. In conclusion this research contributes to better understand educators’ perspectives in regards of remote work activity, offering valuable insights for educational institutions aiming to improve the wellbeing and effectiveness of educators practicing remotely. Description: B. OHS(Hons)(Melit.) Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141755 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141751 Title: The awareness of occupational health and safety in the Maltese pregnant population Abstract: This dissertation investigates the effectiveness of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) measures tailored to the needs of pregnant workers in Malta, a context marked by relatively small enterprises, resource constraints, and evolving European directives. Through an integrated approach, comprising a thorough literature review, methodical data collection, and comprehensive analyses, this study evaluates whether Maltese workplaces align with national legislation and Council Directive 92/85/EEC (1992) in safeguarding maternal well-being. Findings reveal both promising practices and salient gaps. Many employers comply nominally, conducting risk assessments and offering limited adjustments, yet the quality and consistency of these efforts remain uneven. In particular, early risk assessments often appear superficial without subsequent reviews as the pregnancy advances, diluting their effectiveness. Moreover, this study establishes a robust correlation between targeted OHS training and heightened worker awareness, underscoring the importance of equipping pregnant employees and their supervisors with specialized knowledge. Further evidence highlights those proactive ergonomic interventions, ranging from flexible schedules to mental health support, and how they effectively enhance employees’ perceived safety. By combining Maltese experiences with international best practices, this dissertation underscores the necessity of iterative risk evaluations, sustained training frameworks, and psychosocial support in shaping safer, more inclusive workplaces. It concludes that while legislative foundations exist, a pronounced commitment to enforcement, cultural openness, and continuous education is crucial. The proposed set of evidence-based recommendations thus aspires to strengthen Malta’s maternal OHS landscape and contribute to broader dialogues on ensuring equitable and responsive employment standards for pregnant workers. Description: B. OHS(Hons)(Melit.) Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141751 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141608 Title: Manager’s perspective on improving occupational health and safety in the Public Environmental Health Department Abstract: This research examines managerial perspectives on improving occupational health and safety practices within environmental health departments, focusing on hazard assessment activities. The study addresses a significant gap in understanding how managers conceptualise, implement, and enhance safety protocols while balancing worker safety with environmental health protection objectives. Through qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with eight departmental managers, the research reveals multifaceted approaches to policy implementation, risk assessment, and safety culture development. The findings demonstrate varying levels of comprehension and implementation of departmental health and safety policies across the management hierarchy. Three distinct approaches to risk assessment emerged: systematic assessment, department-specific risk focus, and integrated risk management. The research identified sophisticated frameworks for communication infrastructure, professional development, and knowledge integration while revealing administrative constraints, operational impediments, and human factors affecting implementation. Analysis indicates an organisation transitioning from traditional occupational health and safety patterns toward integrated management systems. While notable progress is evident in risk assessment methodologies and professional development, opportunities exist for policy standardisation, communication optimisation, and cultural evolution. The study highlights the importance of balanced approaches to implementation, combining structured frameworks with adaptable protocols. The research contributes to both theoretical understanding and practical application, providing insights for organisations implementing similar expansions of safety management frameworks. Recommendations include standardised policy frameworks, integrated competency programs, and strong knowledge management systems while focusing on human factors in achieving comprehensive safety management objectives. These findings are crucial for establishing standardised environmental health frameworks and encouraging safer workplaces through managerial leadership, communication, and training. Description: B. OHS(Hons)(Melit.) Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141608 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141606 Title: Understanding instructor vigilance in police firearms training : a qualitative study in the context of the Malta Police Force Abstract: This dissertation explores how firearms instructors within the Malta Police Force develop vigilance and are supported in sustaining it during live-fire training. The study was driven by the recognition that such training, combined with varying levels of trainee competence, presents inherently high-risk conditions. Within this context, instructor vigilance serves as the primary safeguard against incidents and is essential for ensuring safety. While vigilance has been extensively studied in other high-risk sectors such as aviation and healthcare, the specific factors that support or undermine its sustained application in police firearms training remain largely unexplored. A qualitative design was adopted using semi-structured interviews with eight instructors from the Special Intervention Unit, who are responsible for training across the police force. Thematic analysis was used to examine instructors’ lived experiences, focusing on the development of vigilance and the organisational support available. The findings revealed that vigilance is primarily maintained through individual experience, peer-led learning, and informal coping strategies, with minimal structured support from the organisation. Instructors rely on self-developed methods, leading to variability in practice and an absence of formal procedures to sustain attention. This highlights a significant gap when compared with the structured approaches adapted in other high-risk fields. The study concludes that instructor vigilance should be formally recognised by the organisation as a core competency. Accordingly, the organisation should provide the necessary tools for its development, along with structured support through clear protocols and practices to adequately sustain it. The study therefore recommends implementing structured training, scenario-based simulations, cognitive monitoring tools, and recovery protocols to reduce risk, enhance performance, and improve safety outcomes in this high-risk training environment. Description: B. OHS(Hons)(Melit.) Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141606 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z