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Assuming that it's a clone of the Colt Mustang and .380 Government models the safety is what is called a lift and block safety. It lifts the hammer off the sear and blocks it so it cannot go off unless the safety is disengaged. It's hard for me to conceive of the firing pin block being effective since even if the safety accidentally gets snicked off it can't go off without pulling the trigger, and it's the trigger that lowers the FPS in a Colt Government or Mustang.
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Yes, the P238 is an exact clone of the Mustang, save the removable main spring housing and better sights (also has solid-cut sear, steel guide rod and slightly beveled mag well), and the safety features are identical.
The hammer block safety is all well and good, but I can't imagine ever defeating the firing pin block without actually pulling the trigger.
All in all, a dandy and safe little gun like
HisSoldier says - a blocked firing pin and blocked hammer. Its big brother series 80 1911 simply goes one step further, blocking the pin, the hammer AND the trigger via the grip safety.
As far as service life, the all-steel P238 should last as long as the all-steel or nickel Mustang, which is virtually forever. A replaceable barrel bushing would be nice, but blast away.