Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1523590
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 7 JULY 2024 7 COMMERCIAL Help turn the tide on ocean plastic pollution A new crowdfunding campaign that closes on 20 July aims to raise €8,000 to help purchase an ocean plastics re- cycling machine for Żibel, a registered voluntary organisation and eNGO working to reduce Malta's waste and restore the island's natural environ- ment. To help cover the costs of the new machine, Rebecca Hamilton – Profes- sor of International Law at American University, collaborator with the Is- lands and Small States Institute at the University of Malta, mother of four elementary-aged children and with no background in any sport whatsoever – will take on her first marathon swim from Switzerland to France across Lake Geneva. Per the international rules of the Mar- athon Swimmers Federation, a mar- athon swim is one of 10km or more, which requires that the swimmer re- mains in the water for the entire dura- tion of the swim, without making phys- ical contact with any escort vessels, support personnel or other objects. And, with a direct distance of 13km (or 8.1 miles) that she must complete within seven hours – the equivalent of almost three times the swim from Mal- ta to Gozo, or 260 laps of an Olympic pool – Rebecca's marathon swim in aid of Żibel more than fits these criteria. Giselle Borg Olivier, Manager at Zaar Crowdfunding Malta, adds: "Among its many benefits, from increased reach and visibility to community engage- ment, crowdfunding also empowers people to collaborate with voluntary organisations, safe in the knowledge that their fundraising efforts are done with full transparency and accounta- bility. And working together, organi- sations such as Żibel and individuals across the country can achieve a vital, shared goal: to protect Malta's environ- ment for future generations." Donate to the Marathon Swim for Ocean Plastic Recovery campaign on Zaar at www.zaar.com.mt. MCAST launches the 8th Edition of the ICA Festival at Spazju Kreattiv HE Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology (MCAST) together with the In- stitute for the Creative Arts (ICA) launched the eighth edition of the MCAST ICA Fes- tival on 4 July at Spazju Kreattiv in Valletta. This year for the first time, the festival will run for eight weeks till 8 September 2024. This year's theme aims to showcase the dy- namic journey of problem-solving and crea- tivity, inspired by the ever-shifting process of discovering innovative solutions. The eighth edition of the MCAST ICA Festival celebrates the achievements of fi- nal-year students of eleven Bachelor of Arts (Honours) courses offered at MCAST's In- stitute for the Creative Arts in Mosta. The festival offers a valuable platform for partici- pant students to gain exposure among stake- holders in the industry on a national and in- ternational level. The MCAST ICA Festival's purpose and goal is to celebrate the students' creativ- ity and hard work that came to fruition throughout their challenging but gratifying years of education. It also acts as a showcase of students' work to industry experts outside the formal educational context. The festival features work by the final-year BA students from MCAST's Institute for the Creative Arts (ICA). Importantly, the festival acts as a link between the institute and the local art and design community. Various study areas feature in this year's edition, including creative media produc- tion, fashion, fine arts, game art and visual design, graphic design, interactive media, journalism, performing arts, photography, product design, and spatial design. 'Beat the Heat' - Staying safe under the Maltese sun: a guide for outdoor workers WITH Malta's summer bringing intense heat, outdoor workers are at heightened risk from pro- longed sun exposure and high temperatures. The Occupation- al Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) has launched its 'Beat the Heat' campaign to provide essential advice for employers and employees to ensure safe working conditions under the Mediterranean sun. Understanding the Risks Working in excessive heat pos- es both safety and health haz- ards. Safety risks include fatigue, dizziness, and reduced alertness, which can lead to accidents. Health risks range from heat stress and exhaustion to poten- tially life-threatening heat stroke. Beyond heat, ultraviolet (UV) radiation presents a silent dan- ger. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause immediate skin damage and increase long-term cancer risk. The UV Index, a measure of radiation intensity, is particularly relevant in Malta's sunny climate. Vulnerable Professions While all outdoor workers are at risk, some face higher exposure due to the nature of their work. Construction workers, farmers, beach and pool attend- ants, gardeners, postal workers, outdoor service providers, and street vendors are particularly vulnerable due to their prolonged time out- doors. It is important to note that indoor work- ers in high-temperature environments, such as kitchens and laundries, also face heat-related risks. Special considera- tion should also be given to pregnant workers and new mothers, who may be more susceptible to heat stress. Employer Responsibil- ities Employers play a cru- cial role in worker pro- tection. They should start by conducting comprehen- sive risk assessments and im- plementing protective measures based on the findings. Ensuring adequate ventilation and using cooling techniques are essential in managing workplace temper- atures. During hot periods, in- creasing the frequency of work breaks and rotating jobs can help limit exposure to extreme condi- tions. Providing easy access to drink- ing water is crucial for preventing dehydration. For indoor work- places, monitoring humidity lev- els is also important. Employers should offer sun and heat protec- tion training to all workers and, where possible, schedule work to avoid peak sun hours. It is crucial to emphasize that of- fering "danger money" is never an acceptable substitute for proper safety measures. The focus should always be on prevention and protection. Worker Self-Protec- tion Strategies Workers themselves can take several steps to stay safe. Wearing appropriate clothing is key - opt for light- weight, loose-fitting garments that offer protection from the sun. Proper head- wear, such as wide- brimmed hats or hel- met attachments, can shield the face, neck, and ears from direct sunlight. UV-blocking sunglasses protect the eyes, while regularly applying (and reapplying) high-SPF sun- screen guards against skin dam- age. During the peak hours of 10 am to 4 pm, seeking shade when- ever possible can significantly re- duce UV exposure. Staying hydrated is crucial, so workers should drink water reg- ularly, even before feeling thirsty, while avoiding excessive caf- feine and alcohol. Taking regu- lar breaks in shaded areas allows the body to cool down. Workers should also be aware of how their medications might affect sun sensitivity and monitor their skin for any changes, seeking medical advice when needed. Benefits of Sun Safety Implementing these guidelines benefits everyone involved. Em- ployers can expect to see reduced sick leave, lower long-term health risks among their workforce, and improved industrial relations due to their proactive approach to worker safety. For workers, following these guidelines leads to better short-term comfort on the job and improved long-term health outcomes. As Malta con- tinues to bask in sunshine, bal- ancing work requirements with sun safety is crucial. By following these guidelines, both employers and workers contribute to a safer, more productive outdoor work environment. Download OHSA's leaflet 'Beat the Heat' from the website (www. ohsa.mt) or contact OHSA on 21247677 or by email ohsa@ ohsa.mt for further information.