The dean of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing has appealed for a more regulated approach to prevent accidents in the construction industry.
In a statement on Wednesday, Andrew Azzopardi expressed concern at the number of workers in the industry who were injured and at the collapse of occupied buildings next to construction sites.
A building collapsed in Mellieħa on Saturday, an apartment block collapsed in Guardamangia in April and the back wall of an 18th century house at It-Tokk also collapsed during development in April 2018. A few months later, a warehouse in Mrieħel caved in in the middle of the day.
Prof. Azzopardi said the need for one to have a roof on one’s head and a safe environment was basic to one’s wellbeing. Conversely, holding warranted persons responsible was an important, but insufficient first step.
“The feeling that there is a cavalier, safety-last attitude permeating the construction industry seems to be growing and the evidence is there for all to see. I appeal to the authorities to take this matter seriously.”
He appealed for a more regulated approach to ensure that such accidents did not happen. Such regulation, Prof. Azzopardi said, required the prioritisation of the needs and safety of residents.
Regulation, he said, would require all persons involved in the industry to have the required training and expertise. This should be represented by warrants and permits that could be revoked instantaneously should those involved not follow protocol.
Regulations had to be consistently enforced with effective sanctioning mechanisms including hefty fines and the removal of warrants and permits.
Committees and tribunals also had to listen to complaints and provide effective solutions. Monitoring should be ongoing and civil society more active and effective. Inquiry outcomes following major accidents should be made public within a stipulated and reasonable time frame.
Prof. Azzopardi said that respect for human life and quality of life should be at the cornerstone of all development and social and emotional wellbeing should be the order of the day.