Malta Launches Consultation on National Workplace Health and Safety Strategy for 2027–2031
Malta has launched a consultation process to develop its first National Occupational Health and Safety Strategy for 2027–2031, aimed at strengthening workplace safety, preventing occupational accidents and protecting workers across the country.
The initiative was announced by Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Employment Jonathan Attard during a conference titled Shaping OHS Together, organised by the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA).
The proposed five-year strategy will establish national priorities for occupational health and safety, with particular attention to prevention, worker protection and the challenges emerging from changes in the labour market and new technologies.
Minister Attard: Protecting Workers Is a National Priority
Minister Attard described the launch as the first public step towards developing a coordinated national strategy for workplace health and safety.
“Today marks the first public step towards developing Malta's first National Occupational Health and Safety Strategy up to 2031,” Minister Attard said.
He emphasised that consultation and collaboration with stakeholders would be central to delivering the government's commitment to protecting the health and well-being of Maltese and Gozitan workers.
OHSA Calls for Clear Targets and Practical Action
OHSA Chief Executive Officer Dr Josianne Cutajar stressed that the strategy must reflect the actual needs of Malta's workforce and labour market.
She called for measurable objectives, realistic implementation plans and the effective use of existing national resources.
“We need clear and tangible targets that maintain high standards and safeguard workers' well-being,” Dr Cutajar said.
She added that a feasible action plan would be essential to translating the strategy's priorities into practical improvements in workplace safety.
European Experts Discuss Workplace Safety Challenges
The conference included contributions from European and Maltese experts examining the changing occupational health and safety landscape.
Artur Furtado, Head of Unit within the European Commission's Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, addressed developments and challenges at European level.
Silvan Mifsud, Director of Advisory Services at EMCS, discussed demographic changes in Malta and their impact on the composition of the labour market.
Anthony Casaru, a member of the European Commission's Advisory Committee on Safety and Health at Work, also provided insights into ongoing European strategic discussions.
Technology and Labour Market Changes Among Key Issues
Two panel discussions examined the implementation of workplace safety reforms introduced over the previous two years and considered the opportunities and risks associated with changes in the world of work.
Participants discussed the implications of technological developments and the need for occupational health and safety policies to adapt to emerging working practices.
The conference brought together representatives of the European Commission, the University of Malta, the General Workers' Union, the Malta Employers' Association and UĦM Voice of the Workers, among other stakeholders.
The event concluded with an address by OHSA Chairperson Pierre Fava.
Next Steps for the 2027–2031 Strategy
The consultation process will help shape Malta's proposed national priorities and implementation measures for occupational health and safety over the five-year period.
The strategy is intended to provide a coordinated approach to prevention, workplace protection and the long-term well-being of workers in Malta and Gozo.
Photo credit: Ministry for Infrastructure, Planning and Employment (MIPE).
