The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) have signed an agreement to enhance safety for third parties, workers, and the public, a government statement read.
One of the key initiatives outlined in this agreement is the implementation of joint inspections at construction sites by both authorities, it said.
This announcement was made during a press conference addressed by the Minister for Justice and Construction Sector Reform, Jonathan Attard, along with the Acting Chief Executive of the BCA, Architect Roderick Bonnici, and OHSA Chief Executive, Josianne Cutajar.
During the conference, the agreement was signed, through which the authorities concerned are establishing procedures for how these inspections will be conducted and how they will share the necessary information and investigation reports. It was explained that the findings of the investigations will be passed on to the enforcement authorities to ensure appropriate action is taken.
Minister Attard said that in August, the authorities launched a pilot project for joint inspections at construction sites, “which clearly demonstrated its necessity. As a result, the process has now been formalized through this agreement.”
“Since the last week of August, approximately 550 joint inspections have been carried out, resulting in 134 actions taken by BCA officials and 147 actions taken by OHSA officials. Notably, during these inspections there were a number of several instances where both the OHSA and the BCA had to take action on the same site,” the Minister said.
The government said that investment in both authorities has continued, with an increase in personnel, particularly in enforcement roles. The BCA workforce has grown to 84 employees in the past months, with 26 assigned to the enforcement division, which will be further strengthened with an additional 20 officers in the coming months, it said.
“At OHSA, the commitment to increasing staff has been upheld, with its workforce nearly doubling over the past 12 months, from around 30 to 55 employees, with further expansion planned.”
During the conference, it was also announced that the two entities will collaborate on educating workers in the construction industry and providing health and safety training. Six months after the launch of helpline 138, both entities will continue promoting it, government said.
BCA Chief Executive, Architect Roderick Bonnici, said that this agreement further strengthens the already strong relationship between BCA and OHSA. He said that when an investigation determines that legal action is required, both entities will cooperate by sharing relevant investigation information. Additionally, the agreement will facilitate the exchange of enforcement practices, for a more holistic approach to regulatory enforcement.
OHSA Chief Executive Josianne Cutajar said that over recent months, the OHSA and the BCA have worked together to reach a coordination and collaboration agreement in several areas to achieve higher health and safety standards in the country. With the signing of this agreement, OHSA has placed health and safety principles at the highest level of decision-making in terms of legislation, regulations, and policy-making in the construction sector, the government said.
