On Friday 15 March, 2024, the University of Malta’s Centre for Labour Studies (CLS) and the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) entered into agreement with the intention to conduct mutually beneficial activities.
The Bachelor in Occupational Health and Safety (Hons) already offers its students with the opportunity to visit workplaces, but thanks to this agreement, students will have the unique opportunity to accompany OHSA officers whilst they conduct their inspections. Furthermore, the CLS will consult the OHSA when considering students’ research topics and will aid in training individuals who are already gainfully employed by OHSA.
In the last 25 years, over 200 individuals have graduated from the Centre’s Diploma and Undergraduate Programmes. In fact, it was in 1997 that the CLS introduced the Diploma in Social Studies (Occupational Health and Safety) to address the urgent need for investment in expertise and skills related to health and safety at work.
In line with the CLS’ ethos of providing educational opportunities for working individuals, the course was offered as a two-year, part-time evening course. Consequently, most of those who read for the diploma were mature students, some of whom were already working in health and safety.
A study conducted by the Centre to assess how far the diploma had been of help to the graduands indicated that it offered robust job opportunities, once again reiterating the urgency of the need for Malta to have such expertise. In fact, most of those who work in health and safety in Malta are graduates of one of the CLS’ programs.
The stand-alone diploma programme was offered until 2014, following which the CLS introduced the Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health and Safety (Hons) in 2016. Since 2016, the CLS has opened the course four times, with the first graduates of the programme occurring in 2021.
A combination of new technologies, new jobs, new sectors, and changing work profiles further highlight the need for a degree as well as more collaboration in the area, as health and safety becomes increasingly vast and complex.
University of Malta Rector, Prof. Alfred J. Vella said it is the University’s civic duty to conduct research that effectively makes a noticeable difference in the society it is part of.
“Research that directly targets the reduction of workplace incidents, and as a result of that, impacts employee wellbeing across all sectors, is not just a need we should address imminently, but also a common goal we should set ourselves to achieve in the long-term.”
OHSA Chief Executive Officer, Josianne Cutajar, acknowledged that the Authority recognises the Health and Safety Officer not only as a professional but also as someone who exercises their vocational role with strong values. She stated that this profession is fundamental in safeguarding the health and safety of all workers in our country.
"Together with the University, we share the vision and commitment to work together so that this profession develops in a way that enhances the competencies of these professionals and moves towards specialisation in different work sectors," Cutajar said.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Occupational Health and Safety Authority to provide our students with a unique learning experience. This collaboration aligns with our commitment to equipping students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to excel in their future careers in health and safety. Our collaboration will also ensure that student research focuses on topics viewed as nationally important by the Authority, whilst we look forward to assisting the Authority with their training and development needs ”, said Dr Fiorini.
During the MOU signing, the Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector, Jonathan Attard, spoke about a dynamic society that is continuously changing and thus the need for enhancement in competencies alongside increased training opportunities.
"This is an important time, where we are implementing and will continue to implement a number of reforms in line with the Government's work program and also in light of the recommendations of the public inquiry. Therefore, this collaboration agreement between the Occupational Health and Safety Authority and the University of Malta should fill us with courage in our work for higher standards in the sector," Minister Attard stated.
On his part, the Minister for Education, Sports, Youth, Research, and Innovation, Clifton Grima, emphasised the importance of students gaining work experience that complements their studies.
"This is an important part of the training for students because it is another step to ensure they have a well-rounded educational experience," Minister Grima said. He added that through this agreement, student needs are being placed at the center so that the educational sector truly leads students towards their future aspirations.