Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Chairman of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health Ahmed Al-Rajhi launched on Sunday several initiatives aimed at enhancing and strengthening Saudi Arabia's occupational safety and health system. The initiatives were launched on the sidelines of the seventh Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference (GOSH) in Riyadh on Sunday.

The initiatives include the launch of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the national incentives program for compliance and excellence, and the Gulf strategic framework for occupational safety and health, as well as the introduction of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health Award, which aims to foster a culture of excellence and commitment in the workplace.

In his inaugural speech, Al-Rajhi emphasized that the establishment of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health more than three years ago has led to significant progress in the Saudi labor market. The minister stated that international reports confirm the seriousness of the current challenges facing global workplaces, with approximately 3 million worker deaths and 395 million non-fatal work-related injuries reported annually due to occupational accidents and diseases.

"Statistics indicate 23 million injuries and 19,000 deaths annually due to heat stress. Studies also show that 15 percent of workers worldwide suffer from psychological disorders associated with stressful work environments," he said.

Al-Rajhi noted that the Kingdom's Vision 2030 seeks to enhance work environments to be safer, more qualitative, and more attractive, supporting worker well-being, enhancing labor market competitiveness, and fostering a culture of safety and sustainability. Therefore, the Kingdom established the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, which has had a significant impact on developing protective measures in accordance with the latest international practices.

The minister stated that since the establishment of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, it has contributed to reducing work-related fatality rates to less than one per 100,000 workers within three years. "The number of Saudi workers in safety-related occupations exceeded 29,000, an increase of more than 130 percent from the baseline in 2022. The compliance rate with safety standards had increased to 72 percent by the end of 2024, and that the automation rate of workplace protection procedures had reached more than 62 percent by the end of 2024, compared to 30 percent in 2020," he said while highlighting that the Kingdom's commitment to promoting human health and a safe work environment reflects its ambitious vision for a more prosperous and sustainable future.

Al-Rajhi said the rapid pace of economic and technological transformation necessitates strengthening the culture of prevention and continuously updating safety systems and procedures. He also reaffirmed the Kingdom's commitment to safeguarding human lives and ensuring safe working environments in line with the highest standards, thereby enhancing the labor market's competitiveness and contributing to an improved quality of life. He noted that this conference will be an advanced step in supporting the Kingdom's local and global efforts to achieve the highest safety standards.

Al-Rajhi inaugurated the exhibition held on the sidelines of the conference. He toured several pavilions of government and private sector entities which showcase latest practices and innovations in occupational safety and health.