PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR JUSTICE AND THE REFORM OF THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR OHSA conference highlights Malta’s commitment to safer digital work environments

The Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA), under the Ministry for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector, hosted a landmark conference titled “Innovating Safely: The Digital Shift". The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and international experts to explore how workplaces can embrace digital innovation while safeguarding health, safety, and wellbeing.

Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector, Jonathan Attard opened the conference by reaffirming Malta's commitment to a responsible digital transition. “Innovation must always walk hand-in-hand with safety, health, wellbeing, and social justice. Our roadmap for digital transformation is built on a simple premise: technological progress must improve, not compromise, the dignity and safety of our workforce" stated Minister Attard.

The minister highlighted Malta's updated National AI Strategy, aligned with the Malta 2050 Vision, and the €100 million allocation in the Budget 2026 for AI and digital transformation. He stressed that AI should empower workers, create new career paths, and improve working conditions.

The conference was spearheaded by OHSA, Malta's national authority dedicated to promoting and enforcing occupational health and safety standards. Over the past two years, OHSA has introduced groundbreaking reforms, including the new Health and Safety at Work Act, enhanced practitioner standards, and robust construction safety regulations.

Dr Josianne Cutajar, OHSA Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the Authority's forward-looking approach. “Our priority is clear: as workplaces evolve digitally, OHSA will strengthen risk prevention frameworks, invest in research, and collaborate with industry to ensure innovation never comes at the expense of worker wellbeing."

The Health and Safety at Work Act introduced stronger protections, clearer accountability, and broader stakeholder involvement. New administrative instruments and practitioner standards have set national benchmarks, while extensive legislation in construction safety has positioned Malta as a leader in regulatory progress within the EU.

The conference featured a keynote address by William Cockburn, Executive Director of EU-OSHA, who emphasized integrating safety into Europe's digital strategies. Expert panels included Kenneth Brincat, CEO of the Malta Digital Innovation Authority, discussing innovation in digital work environments, and Dr Elaine Cutajar, who explored health and wellbeing in the age of digitalisation. The Malta Police Cyber Crime Unit addressed emerging cybersecurity risks, while thematic workshops focused on public health support and occupational risk assessment in digitally evolving workplaces.

Malta's digital progress was showcased through impressive metrics: 92 percent coverage and 136 percent mobile diffusion, teleworking adoption rising from 13 percent in 2019 to 23 percent in 2024, and Malta outperforming EU averages in digital public services by 18 percent for citizens and 14 percent for businesses.

These achievements reflect Malta's commitment to ensuring that no worker or sector is left behind in the digital era.