Joint BCA-OHSA inspections uncover widespread violations in construction sector

A series of joint inspections carried out by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) have revealed widespread breaches in construction site regulations, prompting enforcement actions to safeguard workers, third parties, and the public.

This was announced during a press conference addressed by Minister for Justice and Construction Sector Reform, Jonathan Attard, alongside Acting Chief Executive of the BCA, Perit Roderick Bonnici, and OHSA Chief Executive Josianne Cutajar.

During the conference, an agreement was signed, establishing procedures for conducting these inspections, as well as guidelines on how information and investigation reports should be shared as necessary. It was explained that the findings of these investigations will be forwarded to the relevant enforcement authorities so that appropriate action can be taken.

Minister Attard stated that last August, the authorities launched a pilot project for joint inspections at construction sites. The results clearly demonstrated the necessity of such a project, leading to its formalisation through this agreement.

Minister Attard emphasised that this initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to raising standards in the sector, aligning with the recommendations of the public inquiry report related to the tragic death of Jean Paul Sofia.

Meanwhile, investment in both authorities has continued, with an increase in personnel over the past year, particularly in enforcement roles.

At BCA, the number of employees has risen to 84, with 26 serving in the enforcement section, which will be further strengthened with the addition of 20 more officials in the coming months.

Regarding OHSA, the commitment to increasing staff has been upheld, with the authority nearly doubling its workforce in the past 12 months, from around 30 employees to 55, with further recruitment efforts ongoing.