The Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) have announced the implementation of the protection of construction workers working in direct sunlight from heat stress and dangerous ultraviolet radiation exposure.
These new regulations come into force immediately to better protect Malta’s construction workforce during increasingly extreme weather conditions.
“These mandatory measures being introduced by the Authority in the interest of workers are the result of the reform we implemented in the OHSA Act. Thanks to the new law, approved by Parliament exactly a year ago, the Authority can now intervene more swiftly through Administrative Instruments in high-risk situations – such as the extreme heat we are currently experiencing,” said Dr Jonathan Attard, Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector.
The new regulations establish several key requirements for all construction sites where workers operate in direct sunlight.
Apart from the general obligations related to occupational health and safety, including the duty to carry out a risk assessment, the Administrative Instrument introduces a number of mandatory protective measures, including:
The provision of hydration stations with an adequate supply of drinking water.
Workers to be allowed regular hydration breaks as necessary in identified cool down areas, taking into consideration the nature of work being carried out, the size and nature of the site.
The provision of shelters for workers such as, but not limited to, tents or screens or other measures reducing exposure to UV levels where possible.
The provision of adequate sunscreen (e.g. creams) which are high in SPF.
The encouragement of workers to wear light clothing and, or other clothing protecting against risks from heat and, or sun where possible. Provided that this shall not prejudice the use of personal protective clothing needed as per the risk assessment. The practice of allowing shirtless workers on site shall be prohibited.
The protective and preventive measures shall also take into account other factors concerning environmental, personal and working conditions; all of which may influence heat tolerance, and which shall also be included as applicable in the risk assessment.
In the event that the ambient temperature reaches or exceeds 40°C, as officially reported by the Meteorological Office at the Malta International Airport, the project supervisor shall, in consultation with the respective duty holders, assess the prevailing site conditions and ensure that appropriate protective and preventive measures are implemented to safeguard the health and safety of workers. These measures may include, but are not limited to, the provision of shaded rest areas, increased hydration breaks, rescheduling of tasks, or the partial or temporary suspension of works in direct sunlight where deemed necessary.
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