The state of occupational health and safety in the Maltese construction industry : perceptions of occupational health and safety practitioners

Abstract

This qualitative research aims to analyse in depth the state of occupational health and safety in the construction industry in the Maltese Islands from the perception of health and safety practitioners. More specifically, the study sought to determine any strategies that could be implemented to limit the number of accidents, based on the flaws identified. The importance of this study is amplified by the fact that fatalities occurring in the sector have been increasing in recent years. Structured interviews were conducted with twelve participants. All participants were health and safety practitioners working in the construction industry for at least two years, and in possession of, at minimum, a Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety. The data collected was analysed using the Braun & Clarke (2006) thematic analysis approach. The research's findings, analysis, and discussion show that all participants were in agreement that the state of occupational health and safety in construction sites in Malta has improved over time. It also demonstrates that the issues pointed out in the various reports issued in relation to the subject by local organisations are confirmed to be issues experienced by occupational health and safety practitioners employed in the sector. Both long-term measures, like appropriate training, and short-term solutions, like enforcement, were cited as ways to improve occupational health and safety in the construction industry. The level of occupational health and safety at a construction site is significantly influenced by the type of contractors the client selects and the decisions the client makes at the outset of a project, with larger contractors having better standards of occupational health and safety than smaller ones. Therefore, it is fundamental to look at the perceptions of occupational health and safety practitioners on the current state of OHS in Malta, issues faced, and ways to improve.