Health & Safety

Welcome to our section on health and safety insights at the workplace. Whether you’re an employer, manager, health and safety representative, or employee, Employment360 offers quick, practical articles to help you stay informed and compliant with best practices.

In Malta, Occupational Health and Safety is regulated by the Health and Safety at Work Act (Chapter 646 of the Laws of Malta) and through subsidiary legislation. The legislative framework follows a European preventive approach, and includes an array of laws, some of which are generic and thus applicable to all work places, whereas others are more industry or case specific.

The Employment and Industrial Relations Act (Chapter 452 of the Laws of Malta), establishes that health and safety forms an essential condition of employment for all work places. A breach of health and safety law is therefore a breach of employment law.

The obligation to ensure a safe work environment, and safe system of work, applies to all work-places, and to all workers including full-time, part-time, and temporary workers. It covers both physical and psychological wellbeing.

Amongst several other obligations, employers must conduct risk assessments, provide adequate training, supply personal protective equipment (PPE) free of charge, ensure safe working conditions and equipment, offer health surveillance, and appoint employee representatives. Every employer must make an assessment to determine which regulations apply, and which obligations arise, keeping in mind that certain events will give rise to new H&S obligations (e.g. when employing young persons, or when an employee is pregnant or breastfeeding).

Failure to meet these obligations can result in civil liability, administrative penalties and in certain cases, criminal liability.

Explore key topics below—and check back regularly as we continue to expand this resource.

Health & Safety at the Workplace: Key Definitions
Who is a duty holder? What counts as a workplace? This article breaks down essential definitions under Chapter 646 to clarify roles and responsibilities.

The Underrated Second Half of Article 12
Employers must safeguard both physical and psychological wellbeing. Article 12 of the Health and Safety at Work Act places mental health on equal legal footing with physical health, requiring prevention, training, and cultural change. Is this the real and current situation in Malta?

Why Have a Mental Health Policy?
A clear mental health policy promotes a supportive culture, ensures legal compliance, and boosts productivity. Understand why it’s essential and how to implement one effectively.

Hazards, Helmets, and Health & Safety

• What is Personal Protective Equipment?
• When must it be used?
• What are the employer’s responsibilities?
• What about risk assessments and trainings?

The Price of Negligence: Civil Claims in Injury Cases
A landmark case delves into who bares responsibility for workplace safety. How is this assessed by the Court?

Youth Employment—Are You Really Compliant?
Hiring minors comes with added legal duties. Discover the requirements.

Pregnant & Breastfeeding Employees: What Employers Need to Know
What are employers’ obligations towards pregnant and breastfeeding workers?

Workstation Health & Safety: Just a Click Away from Compliance
A guide to safe screen-based work- employers’ obligations

The CJEU’s Take on Screen-Time Spectacles
A European Court ruling confirms whether employers must provide or reimburse special corrective appliances when medically required.

Need Help?

For legal support, policy drafting, or compliance advice, feel free to reach out