In the words of employer Rosanne Galea, sound occupational health and safety practices depend heavily on education and training, not enforcement. Ms Galea, employers’ representative on the Occupation
al Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) board, and the managing director of private training organisation Future Focus Ltd., said that money spent on enforcement could be better spent elsewhere. “Enforcement should only be used as a last resort and in cases where employers and employees continue to flout the law.” Ms Galea said that while adopting health and safety practices can be expensive, there needs to be more awareness of the advantages of investing in OHS practices. Research has shown that investing in safety and health leads to better company performance. Asked how employees react to new health and safety requirements, Ms Galea said employers naturally get different reactions from their people.“We cannot allow anyone to flout the law. The repercussions could be too big, for both employees and their employers. One employer said he gives his drivers safety shoes, but the minute they go in the truck to start their deliveries they change into normal shoes. “He finds it hard to monitor and control such abuse. Employees must play their part, because it is in their interest too that accidents are prevented.” She said employers provide support for employees interested in personal development, including training on health and safety. Training costs can be covered by grant schemes that are being made available to employers. Health promotion at work benefits not only workers, but also the employer, with potential reductions in sickness-related costs and improved productivity, said Ms Galea, adding that directly or indirectly, employers should provide employees incentives based on their performance.
al Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) board, and the managing director of private training organisation Future Focus Ltd., said that money spent on enforcement could be better spent elsewhere. “Enforcement should only be used as a last resort and in cases where employers and employees continue to flout the law.” Ms Galea said that while adopting health and safety practices can be expensive, there needs to be more awareness of the advantages of investing in OHS practices. Research has shown that investing in safety and health leads to better company performance. Asked how employees react to new health and safety requirements, Ms Galea said employers naturally get different reactions from their people.“We cannot allow anyone to flout the law. The repercussions could be too big, for both employees and their employers. One employer said he gives his drivers safety shoes, but the minute they go in the truck to start their deliveries they change into normal shoes. “He finds it hard to monitor and control such abuse. Employees must play their part, because it is in their interest too that accidents are prevented.” She said employers provide support for employees interested in personal development, including training on health and safety. Training costs can be covered by grant schemes that are being made available to employers. Health promotion at work benefits not only workers, but also the employer, with potential reductions in sickness-related costs and improved productivity, said Ms Galea, adding that directly or indirectly, employers should provide employees incentives based on their performance.
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