Latest news with #GlobalOccupationalSafetyandHealthConference
Arab News
05-05-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia makes strides in Vision 2030, workplace safety
Riyadh: Vice Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Mansour Al-Mushaiti has highlighted Saudi Arabia's significant progress toward Vision 2030, with 93 percent of annual indicators met and 85 percent of initiatives either completed or on track. Speaking at the Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference in Riyadh, he emphasized the environment sector's commitment to sustainability and the prioritization of worker safety across all development projects. Al-Mushaiti underscored the Kingdom's focus on human capital, demonstrated by the establishment of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health and the adoption of international best practices. He noted the water sector's achievement of more than 190 million safe work hours and a sub-45-second emergency response time with zero serious incidents during large-scale project implementation, which he attributed to robust safety management systems. The conference, held from May 4-6 under the theme 'The Future of Occupational Safety and Health,' brings together senior officials, experts, and specialists from Saudi Arabia and around the world to explore future directions and challenges in global labor markets. Al-Mushaiti also outlined environmental protection efforts, including a noise and light pollution monitoring program in major cities, citing potential productivity gains of more than 11 percent, according to the World Green Building Council. He highlighted the success of the Saudi Green Initiative, which has led to the planting of more than 141 million trees, the rehabilitation of more than 313,000 hectares of degraded land, and the protection of more than 4 million hectares. These environmental advances enhance worker safety and contribute to safer, more sustainable work environments, Al-Mushaiti said. In agriculture, Al-Mushaiti affirmed the ministry's adoption of Saudi Good Agricultural Practices standards, with 142 facilities accredited for safe practices, advanced pesticide control systems, and smart awareness platforms that have reduced pesticide residues to below 2 percent. The three-day conference features scientific sessions, 60 workshops, 20 dialogue sessions, and the Global Occupational Safety and Health Hackathon, showcasing 30 innovative projects.
Saudi Gazette
04-05-2025
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
Al-Rajhi launches package of qualitative initiatives in occupational safety and health
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.
Arab News
04-05-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Riyadh conference discusses future of occupational health
RIYADH: The seventh Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference opened in Riyadh on Sunday under the theme 'The Future of Occupational Safety and Health.' The three-day event was inaugurated by Ahmed Al-Rajhi, minister of human resources and social development and chairman of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health. Al-Rajhi launched initiatives to enhance Saudi Arabia's occupational safety and health system, including the establishment of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the National Compliance and Excellence Incentives Program, and the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Guide. Al-Rajhi said that work-related deaths in Saudi Arabia have dropped to less than one per 100,000 workers since the council's establishment. Meanwhile, the number of locals in occupational safety and health roles has risen by 130 percent, reaching more than 29,000 by the end of 2024, compared with 2022. Al-Rajhi also highlighted improvements in safety compliance and automation. 'The compliance rate with safety standards reached 72 percent by the end of 2024, and the automation of safety procedures exceeded 62 percent, up from 30 percent in 2020.' The conference draws high-ranking officials, experts and specialists from Saudi Arabia and worldwide to discuss the future of occupational safety and health, as well as the challenges and opportunities in global labor markets. It covers six key themes: workplace sustainability; digitization and technology in occupational safety; the economics of safety; the future of research and innovation; emerging challenges; and human behavior and safety culture. This focus reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to improving work environments and achieving professional standards in line with global best practices, a key goal of Saudi Vision 2030. The event highlights national efforts, displays modern technical trends, supports specialized research, and promotes the Kingdom's legislative framework to international standards, contributing to the success of major national projects. Al-Rajhi referred to international reports on workplace challenges. 'International reports highlight the serious challenges facing work environments globally. Approximately 3 million worker deaths are recorded each year due to accidents and occupational diseases.' He said about '395 million non-fatal work injuries occur annually. Statistics show 23 million injuries and 19,000 deaths from heat stress, and 15 percent of workers globally suffer from mental disorders related to stressful work environments.' The conference program includes specialized scientific sessions, 60 workshops, 20 dialogue sessions, and the Global Occupational Safety and Health Hackathon, where 30 innovative projects are being presented. An accompanying exhibition features local and international organizations, with several significant agreements expected and new initiatives to advance the Kingdom's occupational safety system. The ministry also emphasized the Kingdom's commitment to securing a healthy work environment and ensuring worker safety, which enhances labor market competitiveness and overall quality of life. Al-Rajhi said: 'In line with Vision 2030, we aim to make work environments safer, higher quality, and more attractive. This supports employee well-being, boosts labor market competitiveness, and fosters a culture of safety and sustainability. Therefore, the Kingdom established the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health.' The General Organization for Social Insurance launched a directory for occupational safety and health standards at the conference, serving as a unified reference for specialists, establishments, and relevant entities in the Kingdom. This initiative aims to enhance safety and health standards while protecting workers from occupational hazards, as part of its broader strategy. Based on international best practices, the directory provides clear preventive standards to help reduce injuries and hazards. It covers more than 4,500 standards in six main sectors: public industries; construction; agriculture; maritime activities; transport; and mining. It also classifies more than 70 sectors based on the national directory of economic activities.
Zawya
25-03-2025
- Health
- Zawya
The Saudi Minister of HRSD and Chairman of NCOSH announces the seventh edition of the Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference
Riyadh hosts leaders in occupational safety and health from governments, academia and the business sector to shape the future of this vital field Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – His Excellency Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) and Chairman of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NCOSH), today announced the launch of the seventh edition of the Global Occupational Safety & Health Conference (GOSH7). This was done in the presence of prominent OSH leaders from government entities, the private sector and academic institutions, inside the Kingdom and around the world. The Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference will be held over three days at the Four Seasons Hotel Conference Center in Riyadh from May 4 to 6, 2025. It will serve as a scientific platform to present key topics related to the future of occupational safety and health (OSH), along with the challenges and opportunities facing global labor markets. GOSH7 aims to promote a global culture of occupational safety and health by enabling constructive conversations about the latest trends and innovations, exploring best practices and exchanging vital knowledge. The conference will also focus on the development of policies and preventive measures to support OSH excellence, and the role of technology in improving work environments and enhancing OSH awareness. In a statement marking the occasion, his Excellency Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, Minister of HRSD and Chairman of NCOSH, said of the event: 'The Kingdom is proud to convene the seventh edition of GOSH7 in Riyadh, as we explore key issues facing work environments and develop progressive frameworks. 'The conference has become an important annual event for OSH leaders, and we look forward to the seventh edition being the most international one yet. GOSH7 is an important milestone in elevating global discussions about occupational safety and health, and continuing the critical job of improving compliance with OSH standards here, regionally and around the world.' His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Nasser Abuthnain, Vice Minister of Human Resources and Social Development for Labor at the Ministry of HRSD, and Vice-Chairman of NCOSH, added: 'Strong and resilient labor markets are the backbone of economies around the world, and as work environments evolve, it is critical that we collaborate closely to adapt to the challenges, grasp the opportunities, and enhance workplace health and safety. 'I look forward to welcoming our partners from around the world to Riyadh for the upcoming GOSH7 conference to discuss the key issues facing global labor markets, foster economic prosperity and seek to build safe, sustainable and future-ready work environments.' An exciting new element at GOSH7 is a hackathon, which will bring together specialists from around the world to develop innovative solutions to enhance occupational safety and health practices. In addition, the hackathon is designed to identify and define practical ideas and solutions that contribute to raising global health and safety standards. The final element driving GOSH7 is the creation of a framework for occupational safety and health for the world that is in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and that defines the Future of Occupational Safety & Health.
