Close to €200,000 in fines collected by Occupational Health and Safety Authority

1,134 persons prosecuted for violations of occupational health and safety laws

OHSA CEO Mark Gauci, Minister Helena Dalli and OHSA chairman Deo Debattista
OHSA CEO Mark Gauci, Minister Helena Dalli and OHSA chairman Deo Debattista

The Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) issued 506 fines in two years and collected €195,100 in fines between 2012 and 2014.

According to data provided by the OHSA CEO Mark Gauci, 1,134 persons were prosecuted over violations of occupational health and safety laws and punishment included prison sentences.

Since its set up in 2002, the OHSA visited 20,899 places of work and 46,530 equipment certificates were vetted.

The number of fatalities at the place of work decreased consistently over the course of time.

Consumer Affairs Minister Helena Dalli said health and safety at the place of work was not only limited to places such as construction sites or factories but also to offices and the stress caused by work.

“Mental well-being is essential for good health and quality of life. In a good work environment, workers report high job satisfaction and are challenged and motivated to fulfill their potential,” Dalli said.

She explained that mental health problems were not as noticeable as physical problems that may lead an employer to fire an employee who is not delivering at his full potential.

Research has shown that one in every four workers experience work-related stress and the OHSA has now prepared an action framework that could be adopted by the employers, employees and trade unions to control stress at work.

A study carried out by Richmond Foundation found that one in every 10 workers interviewed had taken time off work due to stress with one in every five saying their work had caused them emotional or health problems at some stage.

Work-related stress is the second most frequently reported work-related health problem in Europe. Fifty to 60 per cent of all lost working days can be attributed to work-related stress and psychosocial risks.