The Global Conference for Occupational Safety and Health held in Riyadh saw Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Eng. Ahmed Al-Rajhi announcing the generation of 11,171 jobs in the occupational safety and health field over the past three years. The ministry aims to increase the number of specialists in this field from 23,971 to 45,800 by 2025. The conference, themed “Scanning the Horizon,” covers topics such as sustainability, corporate safety, technological transformation, cultural awareness, and occupational health. Al-Rajhi highlighted the progress made in the occupational safety and health sector in Saudi Arabia, attributing it to programs and initiatives aligned with the Saudi Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia’s national policy on occupational safety and health aims to strengthen and develop the sector, protect workers, and adhere to international standards and agreements. The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NCOSH) has played a crucial role in achieving tangible outcomes, including a significant decrease in work-related injuries and an increase in establishments adhering to safety standards. Various legislations have been enacted to raise awareness and ensure the successful implementation of the national occupational safety and health program in collaboration with the International Labor Organization and other stakeholders.
Minister Al-Rajhi inaugurated an exhibition on the sidelines of the conference, where he visited pavilions of partners, sponsors, and participating entities. The General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) and Saudi Aramco, as founding partners and organizers of the conference, had prominent pavilions. The official website of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, the OSH e-training platform, and the platform for reporting work-related accidents were also launched during the event. Saudi Arabia’s commitment to occupational safety and health, as evident from the initiatives and progress highlighted at the conference, signifies a strong focus on creating a safe and sustainable working environment for all individuals in the country.