17 people died on construction sites between 2019 and 2021, with the total number of workplace fatalities reaching 19. Almost 75% of deaths were caused by head injuries.

The number of deaths on construction sites has also been steadily climbing – rising from three in 2019 to nine in 2021. 

It appears that the bulk of deaths happen on construction sites run by small-time operators. 12 people died while working for companies that were self-employed or had fewer than nine employees. 

Meanwhile, people who work in elementary positions tend to be the most susceptible to death, accounting for 73.7% of fatalities. 

Cowboy operators in Malta’s construction industry have been under the microscope in recent years, particularly as the number of bodies on construction sites pile up. 

The death of Miriam Pace and the incident involving Lamin Jaiteh brought renewed focus on the issue, but it appears little is being done, with enforcement underresourced to deal with the demand. 

What should be done to improve health and safety on construction sites?