 01-07 November 2000 |
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Opinion The ETC and the EU
Transparency, accountability and a level playing field at the Exchange
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A healthy work environment for a healthy economy! Making working conditions safe and healthy – the raison d' être of occupational health – is in the interests of workers, employers and governments, as well as the public at large. Seemingly obvious and simple, this idea has not yet gained sufficient recognition in the Maltese workplace writes Nicolette Cassar The parliamentary debates about the Bill on Health and Safety in the last two weeks were a relief to any parliamentary-sceptic who was following. It was one of those very rare cases where the debate consist of a positive discussion from both sides of the House whereby the speakers discussed Health and Safety issues with a clear view towards coming to an early agreement upon the Bill which is favourable to Maltese society. The Opposition only inisisted upon amendments which it considered absolutely necessary and Government did not hesitate to follow most of the recommendations. It was an example of parliamentary efficiency at its best. However, there was one deficiency in the discussion. The costs to business of implementing the related procedures were not given any importance – giving an impression to the listener that such a topic is taboo. It is comprehensible that Parliament and the Minister for Social Policy in particular, should give first priority to social responsibility, however, there must be the basis of a healthy economy for a country to afford social responsibility. This certainly does not mean that the cost of compliance to haelth and safety procedures is any more relevant than the social cost of injuries that are incurred if the proper precautions are not taken. The cost of good health is undoubtedly infinite, however, it is not a good reason for the costs to business to be practically ignored in the Parliamentary debate. After all, when measuring the economic costs and benefits of having a healthy workforce, the gains clearly outweigh the costs. The cost of complying to Health and Safety regulations are hefty, but total economic losses due to occupational illnesses and injuries are enormous. Such losses are a serious burden on economic development. Thus, apart from health considerations, the improvement of working conditions is a sound economic investment. Within the next quarter-century, population ageing (with fewer children born and more people living longer) will change considerably the proportions between working and retired populations. This will undoubtedly increase pressure on the workforce for higher productivity and greater contributions to pension funds. Only a healthy workforce will be able to bear this pressure. But before that can happen, everyone must be committed to enhancing health and safety awareness and practice. Managers and employees can contribute to a safer work atmosphere and enjoy a better quality of work life by applying scientific and technical information to policies, procedures, and processes. The usual byproduct of such informed activity is safer work sites, higher productivity, and lower costs. For effective implementation of health and safety rules in the workplace, organisations should develop the capabilities and support mechanisms necessary to achieve its health and safety policy, objectives and targets. Maintaining a safe and healthy working environment requires more than just abiding by the law. All staff should be motivated and empowered to work safely and to protect their long-term health, not simply to avoid accidents. The arrangements should be · underpinned by effective staff involvement and participation · sustained by effective communication and the promotion of competence, which allows all employees and their representatives to make a responsible and informed contribution to the health and safety effort. There should be a planned and systematic approach to implementing the health and safety policy through an effective health and safety management system. The aim should be to minimise risks. Risk assessment methods should be used to determine priorities and set objectives for eliminating hazards and reducing risks. Wherever possible, risks should be eliminated through the selection and design of facilities, equipment and processes. If risks cannot be eliminated, they should be minimised by the use of physical controls and safe systems of work or, as a last resort, through the provision of personal protective equipment. Performance standards should be established and used for measuring achievement. Specific actions to promote a positive health and safety culture should be identified. There should be a shared common understanding of the organisation's vision, values and beliefs. A Health and Safety Authority will not ensure a safe and healthy environment for the Maltese workforce if it acts alone, apart from the enforcement of the law, there must be total commitment from management and workers, which will in turn reward all society with a healthier economy. | ||||||||
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