A study of the current state of awareness at construction sites in Malta

Abstract

This work is an analysis of current level of awareness regarding occupational Health and Safety among construction workers on various sites in Malta. Everyday construction workers are faced with various health and safety issues being hazards from work equipment, work practices and materials used among others. It is important to have a number of well trained employees so that they would be able to deal with any eventualities they are faced with, since construction work brings with it a number of risks which can lead to injuries or fatalities. However it is important that every worker is aware of his/her health and safety responsibilities and aware also of the surrounding hazards. Building contractors are responsible for the projects they are entrusted with and must abide by all local Health and Safety Regulations and Codes of Practice with the aim to as far as reasonably practicable control and reduce any hazards that may adversely affect their employees and third parties. In order to evaluate the awareness among construction workers in further depth as sample of 50 construction workers were questioned by means of a questionnaire. Based on the results obtained it can be concluded although workers have heard about health and safety they lack knowledge and training. Health and safety in construction has to be taken more seriously. Induction training and refresher in house courses have to be organised for both the contractor and the employees to improve levels of Occupational Health and Safety on construction site in Malta.