/library/oar/handle/123456789/11621 Thu, 13 Nov 2025 22:37:36 GMT 2025-11-13T22:37:36Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/100792 Title: The perception of fishers of the safety and health risks at the fishing village of Marsaxlokk Abstract: The objective of this study was to highlight the health and safety hazards as well as the accidents, injuries and diseases faced by a sample of Maltese fishers and to provide recommendations for improving safety in the Maltese fishing industry. Qualitative research involving 14 fishers was carried out. Semi-structured interviews with the fishers were performed recorded and analysed. Similar to fishers in other countries, the fishers interviewed, faced a number of risks during their work, arising from the fishing operation and the working environment, as well as the machinery used. Risks resulted in accidents such as falls on the vessel and overboard; injuries, such as finger amputations; and health problems such as musculoskeletal disorders. Local legislation concerning fishing vessels provides a framework safeguarding the health and safety of workers in the Maltese fishing sector. The use of safety equipment has helped the fishers interviewed to avoid risks. However, fishers require more training in order to reduce the numerous risks in their work. Description: DIP.SOC.STUD. Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/100792 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/100155 Title: Awareness of occupational health and safety amongst members of the Armed Forces of Malta : (serving our nation - safely and professionally) Abstract: The author enlisted in the regular force of the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) in 1985 and followed a full career path in the non-commissioned corps serving in various key appointments. After successfully completing a Late Entry Officers' Commissioning course (LEOC) the author was awarded a commission and is currently a Lieutenant holding the appointment of Adjutant serving within the Maritime Squadron. Since attaining his commission, the author felt the need to obtain a holistic understanding of the current level of awareness about Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) amongst members of the Force. To investigate further, the author distributed a questionnaire to a varied population of the Force. Through the study of data emanating from this exercise, a general idea of the OHS awareness level emerged. The author researched British Army (BA) and United States Army (US Army) web-sites and confirmed the fact that OHS is given wide exposure and importance in both these professional armies. The analysis of the data collected indicates that OHS awareness amongst members of the AFM is at the mid range percentage level. Description: DIP.SOC.STUD. Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/100155 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/99979 Title: Employers' management of the health and safety at work of older workers in the manufacturing sector Abstract: The thesis focuses on the different management strategies employers adopt to counteract the difficulties faced by older workers. It tries to investigate how aware employers are to the nature of such cohort. Results obtained show how although employers provide older workers the possibility to work flexible, such accommodations are difficult to provide, depending on the nature, position and roles held by older workers. Employers are in agreement on how they perceive older workers as resistant to training which involves learning skills related to technology and which is different from their line of work. Yet, training is based on needs and age neutral. They are also knowledgeable on the health complaints experienced by older workers and the work-related stressors affecting such cohort. To counteract such difficulties, the employers engage in preventive measures to ensure a safe workplace for older workers. Necessary actions taken by management include buying ergonomic equipment or provide alternative work. Job rotation is also considered in this respect. Employers understand the different work-related stress experienced by older workers which tend to arise due to age gap difference between supervisors and coworkers, due to a changing work environment and stress resulting from the nature of the job itself Keeping an open dialogue is one way how to reduce stress amongst older workers. Description: DIP.SOC.STUD. Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/99979 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/99809 Title: Sleep deprivation, work schedules and stress among bus drivers in Malta Abstract: The study aims to understand the bus drivers' experience in relation to sleep deprivation, different working schedules and stress. It focused on the relationship that lies between the drivers working schedules and the hours they dedicate for sleep and any potential stress factors. Results obtained show how bus drivers are not dedicating enough time for sleep, a reason of this might be due to their working schedules which do not provide them with enough time for their families and other activities. Hence this may lead drivers to choose in deducting sleep hours from their daily schedule to accomplish such errands. Drivers were found to feel tired after waking up and still continue to feel drowsy during the day. Driving is also considered as a stressful occupation by bus drivers with traffic congestions and passengers being the main stressors. Although passenger tend to praise and thank drivers for their service, yet other customers resorted to rude and aggressive behaviour making drivers upset. Nonetheless, their driving capabilities remained unaffected. Drivers expressed their concern that they are not happy with their working shifts as do not provide them with enough time for their family. In spite of the fact that bus drivers have the pressure to respect time schedules, they manage to arrive on time to their destination. Employers must design work schedules which allow enough time for employees to rest and enjoy their family lives and having enough time to dedicate to sleep. Keeping an open dialogue amongst bus drivers and management can tackle stress issues. Description: DIP.SOC.STUD. Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/99809 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z