Free Health & Safety Training Extended for Malta’s Volunteers

Imagine this: You’re volunteering at a local charity in Malta, helping out at their bustling shop in Republic Street, Valletta. Suddenly, a small fire breaks out in the back room. Panic sets in, but you remember your recent training – you grab the nearest fire extinguisher, tackle the flames, and save the day. This isn’t a scene from a movie, but a reality thanks to the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA).

OHSA has extended its free health and safety training programme for voluntary organisations across Malta and Gozo. This initiative, aimed at equipping volunteers with essential life skills, has been a breakthrough for local NGOs. With this extension, more volunteers can now access these crucial courses.

Malta’s voluntary sector is the backbone of many community initiatives. From environmental conservation to supporting the elderly, volunteers are at the heart of it all. But with great responsibility comes great need for safety awareness. This training programme bridges that gap, ensuring volunteers are prepared for any situation.

Take for instance, the Malta Hospice Movement. Their volunteers provide vital palliative care services. With this training, they can now better protect themselves and their patients in emergency situations. It’s not just about saving the day; it’s about ensuring everyone can continue to do their part safely.

The OHSA training programme covers a wide range of topics, from first aid and fire safety to manual handling and risk assessment. Here’s a sneak peek into what volunteers can expect:

• First Aid: Learn how to handle injuries, illnesses, and emergencies until professional medical help arrives.
• Fire Safety: Understand fire prevention, detection, and how to use fire extinguishers effectively.
• Manual Handling: Master techniques to lift, carry, and move loads safely, preventing back injuries.
• Risk Assessment: Learn to identify, evaluate, and control risks in the workplace, making volunteering safer for everyone.

Each course is designed to be interactive and engaging, ensuring volunteers leave feeling confident and empowered.

If you’re part of a voluntary organisation, you can sign up for these free training courses by contacting OHSA directly. They’ll guide you through the process and help you choose the most suitable courses for your volunteers.

So, whether you’re volunteering at a local charity shop, an animal shelter, or a community centre, this is your chance to upskill and make a difference. After all, safety isn’t just about protecting ourselves; it’s about protecting the causes we care about.

For more information, visit OHSA’s official website or call them on 2596 7200.