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.