Protective equipment 'must be provided by employer'

The Occupational Health and Safety Authority yesterday expressed concern over remarks made in Parliament, that "while the government is boasting of having improved health and safety awareness, many workers on low pay still need to buy their own safety clothing".

The OHSA was quoting MP Marie Louise Coleiro as reported in the press.

It said that according to the law, workers should not be made to pay for personal protective equipment. Legal Notice 121 of 2003, Article 10.1 states that: "Personal protective equipment shall be provided free of charge by the employer."

The authority said it was a proven fact that awareness about occupational health and safety had increased.

This, it said, was a result of the number of information and education campaigns that the OHSA had carried out during the few years since its inception. There were also a good number of companies and departments that organised their own activities on the matter.

The authority said it had registered a substantial increase in the number of participants during its activities and training courses. There had also been a marked increase in the number of requests for information as well as for workplace inspections.

The OHSA appealed to those workers who for one reason or another are being asked to pay for their equipment to contact it immediately on tel. 2124 7677/8.

Callers will have the option of remaining anonymous.