Some thoughts on health and safety

Abstract

Statistics published by the National Statistics Office indicate a declining number of accidents being reported in Malta. From a high of nearly 5,000 cases reported in 2002, the number of cases reported to the Social Security Department last year went down to just over 3,000 (Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA), Malta, 2016) This persistent downward trend in occupational injury rates and numbers of fatalities can be attributed to activities which raise awareness and disseminate information. Occupational health and safety is a complex subject which requires the cooperation of stakeholders and duty holders. It can only be improved through a self-regulating process where all duty holders recognise that it is in their best interest to adhere to their duties as imposed by law. The University of Malta has given an important contribution these last few years by offering a Diploma programme in Health and Safety through its Centre for Labour Studies. Recently, the same Centre has announced the launching of a degree programme in the subject