Free health and safety training rolled out to thousands of volunteers
OHSA extends programme to NGOs, Church groups and local councils
Thousands of volunteers are being offered the opportunity to improve their health and safety knowledge through free training organised by the Occupational Health and Safety Authority.
The first phase of its training course for voluntary organisations and NGOs, which kicked off in January, received hundreds of applications.
The OHSA is now extending its free training to voluntary organisations, Church entities, local councils, and NGOs. It is estimated that there are more than 1,800 registered voluntary organisations with tens of thousands of active volunteers across the country.
The initiative forms part of a vision to ensure that health and safety is not limited solely to paid employment but also includes voluntary work.
Speaking on Wednesday, the Minister for Reform of the Construction Sector Jonathan Attard said that when “we invest in volunteers, we are directly investing in our communities.”
“This is an investment in people who serve with dedication and who deserve a safe and protected environment,” Attard added.
The programme offers practical, structure, and accessible training to thousands of volunteers across Malta and Gozo.
Attard added that this extension reflects a commitment to communities by helping to reduce risks and fostering a culture of prevention and responsibility.
The two-part course focuses on general knowledge of health safety in the workplace and sector-specific training.
OHSA chief executive officer Josianne Cutajar said the authority has extended its free training services to all voluntary organisatno, Church entities, local councils, and NGOs.
“It is important that voluntary work is safeguarded and that everyone who contributes does so in safe and dignified conditions. This is being done to provide support to all those working as volunteers in every sector.
The initiative is being carried out in collaboration with various entities, including the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector, the Association of Local Councils, and the Archdiocese of Malta, to ensure that the training reaches as many organisations and individuals as possible.