1. Training and Health & Safety Under Construction II Malta Twinning Seminar 2 October 2009 Training and Health & Safety Tonio Farrugia

2. O.H.S. Legislation Occupational Health and Safety Authority Act 2000 31 legal notices Employers required to provide information and training to safeguard employees’ health and safety

3. Key elements Duty of employer to provide information, instruction, training and supervision Appointment of Workers’ Health and Safety representatives. OHSA’s functions include education and training

4. Minimum H&S requirements Inform workers/representatives of H&S measures Competent persons: –Adequate qualifications –Suitable training –Experienced and skilled –OHSA to define more specific criteria

5. Fire-fighting Persons to be adequately trained and equipped Protective and remedial action only by trained persons Workers to be trained in proper use of fire- fighting equipment

6. General provisions Aim to encourage: Exchange of information Consultation Participation Training

7. General provisions Employers have to: Take all necessary measures to safeguard H&S. Ensure only suitably trained employees have access to dangerous areas. Designate competent trained person/s to assist in H&S protection

8. General provisions Adequate H&S training required: On recruitment On transfer or change of job For new or changed equipment On new technology On new work practices

9. General provisions Training to be given: To all workers, including temps and contract workers To workers representatives During working hours Paid by employer

10. Construction sector Availability of first aid and trained staff Lifting devices to be operated by qualified and trained workers Drivers or materials-handing vehicles to be specially trained Machinery and equipment to be operated by trained workers

11. Information and training Help employers to: Safeguard employees H&S Develop positive H&S culture Manage H&S better Meet legal duties

12. Effective training Makes employees competent in H&S Avoids distress of accidents and ill-health Avoids unnecessary financial costs Is not just formal classroom courses.

13. Employers need training Employers should: Be up to date on how to identify hazards and control risks Know where and how to get help Know how to consult employees / representatives on H&S issues

14. Managers need training Managers and supervisors need to: Know employer’s expectations Understand company’s H&S policy Be trained in specific hazards of work processes Know how risks are to be controlled.

15. Employees need training Employees and self-employed to know: How to work safely and without risk Company’s H&S policy and ways to implement it How to raise any H&S concerns with management

16. Employers obligations Take into account workers’ Capabilities Training Knowledge Experience

17. Employee training needs New recruits Changing jobs Inexperienced/young employees Refresher training

18. Outlook for Malta Rely on risk assessments to identify training needs Employers and employees to understand importance of training The future – incorporate H&S training in accreditation of professionals. A Long way to go??