More than 800 more registered for sections by the end of the year
In the first 100 days of the Government, more than 2,000 people have already been given training on health and safety at work, with an investment that is leading to greater awareness, prevention and protection among workers, the self-employed, employers and volunteers.
This was announced by the Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Employment Jonathan Attard during a report on the work carried out as a result of the Budget 2026 measures, through which the Government allocated €400,000 over 24 months for the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) to provide free training.
This measure, which is also a promise of the electoral manifesto, was an important tool of how the protection offered in the new law really led to translating into higher standards for all workers in various sectors, including volunteering.
Minister Attard stressed that the strong response shows how much there is demand for more knowledge and expertise on health and safety, and how relevant this subject is to every sector of society.
“While in previous years the specialized OHSA courses reached an average of just over 150 people per year, in the last three months training has already been provided to 2,000 people. In addition, more than 800 people are already registered for training sessions until the end of the year, with 57 sessions scheduled and the possibility of more being added”, continued Minister Attard.
The initiative is providing wider access to specialized training on both occupational health and safety and mental health.
The training is reaching small businesses, the self-employed, workers in the aviation, construction, manufacturing, retail, restaurant and hotel sectors, as well as the care and welfare sectors. Voluntary organisations, NGOs, local councils, Church entities and organisations organising community activities are also benefiting.
“Our work does not stop here, but we will continue to fulfil our commitments, broaden access to training and address the risks of evolving workplaces, because health and safety are everyone’s responsibility”, said Minister Attard.
The Government is also investing in the training of volunteers. Through basic health and safety training, volunteers will be able to carry out their projects and activities with greater knowledge and preparation, including in the identification and assessment of risks.
For her part, OHSA Chief Executive Josianne Cutajar stressed that voluntary work does not mean work without risk, and therefore every person involved in an activity or project should be aware of the risks and be prepared to protect their own health and safety and that of those around them.
“The inauguration of the OHSA Training Centre in 2025 was an important step in our work to continue strengthening the culture of health and safety in the workplace. We will continue to invest in more practical and specialised training, supported by our research and technical knowledge, while embracing innovative methods, including artificial intelligence, to continue delivering quality training that responds to the needs of a changing world of work”, said Dr Cutajar.
While a video was shown with a number of testimonials regarding the benefits of this training, the Commissioner for Youth and Scout Development Daniel Cassar, physically present at the conference, expressed satisfaction with the way in which this training was instrumental for the adults in the organization but equally important on a broader level and the education they offer to all those who form part of their community.
Present at the conference were the Permanent Secretary within the Ministry, Ronald Mizzi, the Chairman of the OHSA board, Pierre Fava, and various stakeholders and organisations who participated in the training offered.
