Latest news with #NationalCouncilforOccupationalSafetyandHealth
Saudi Gazette
07-05-2025
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
Meena Health launches Riyadh's first Specialized Occupational Health Center
Meena Health has officially opened the Meena Occupational Health Center in Riyadh — the first dedicated facility in the capital to provide specialized healthcare services focused exclusively on occupational health and safety. The launch marks a major milestone in advancing preventive care for Saudi Arabia's workforce and aligns with broader national efforts to foster healthier and safer work environments. Coinciding with the center's inauguration, Meena Health also signed a series of strategic agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), reinforcing its leadership position in the field and its growing role within Saudi Arabia's evolving healthcare landscape. Comprehensive services for high-risk sectors and beyond The Meena Occupational Health Center offers an integrated suite of services that includes pre-employment medical evaluations, periodic employee health checkups, and specialized assessments for high-risk industries such as aviation and maritime. The facility also provides rehabilitation services and disability assessments, all designed to foster a culture of prevention, support regulatory compliance, and elevate occupational health standards nationwide. To bring healthcare closer to the workplace, Meena Health signed a cooperation agreement to establish on-site clinics at company locations, allowing employees to access care conveniently within their work environments. Additionally, a new MoU will facilitate the delivery of medical fitness examinations for both new and existing employees, enhancing workforce readiness and reducing occupational health risks. Designated as a National Center of Excellence The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health has designated Meena Occupational Health Center as a Center of Excellence. This acknowledgment highlights the center's role in preventive occupational healthcare and its contribution to building safe, sustainable workplaces in line with global best practices. As part of the announcement, Meena Academy signed an academic partnership with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The collaboration will focus on developing national talent through specialized training and education programs tailored to the occupational health sector. Driving Vision 2030 through Preventive Healthcare Dr. Suleiman Al-Towayan, CEO of Meena Health, emphasized the significance of this launch as a transformative step toward improving employee well-being across Saudi Arabia. 'Opening Riyadh's first specialized occupational health center sets a new benchmark for workplace health and safety in the Kingdom.' he said. 'It reflects our commitment to advancing the goals of Vision 2030 by promoting a proactive approach to healthcare through early screening, home care, telemedicine, and now, specialized occupational services.' He added, 'At Meena Health, we believe that prevention is better than cure. This belief drives everything we do.' With the launch of its first specialized occupational health center in Riyadh, Meena Health is poised to play a leading role in shaping the future of workplace wellness in Saudi Arabia. The company remains committed to advancing preventive healthcare, strengthening strategic partnerships, and supporting the Kingdom's journey toward a more resilient and healthier workforce.
Economy ME
05-05-2025
- Health
- Economy ME
GOSH7: Saudi Arabia announces 6 initiatives to develop occupational safety and health system
His Excellency Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) and Chairman of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NCOSH), recently inaugurated the seventh edition of the Global Occupational Safety & Health Conference (GOSH7) in Riyadh. Running from May 4-6, GOSH7 aims to position Riyadh as a hub for accelerating international compliance and digital transformation in occupational health and safety practices. Under the theme 'The Future of Occupational Safety & Health', it supports workplace wellbeing and safer, healthier working conditions in all industries as a critical driver of social and economic progress, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030. 6 landmark initiatives announced On the first day of GOSH7, Al-Rajhi announced 6 landmark initiatives aimed at developing and enhancing the occupational safety and health system in Saudi Arabia and the region. The initiatives include launching the: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Occupational Safety and Health Standards Guide in collaboration with the General Organization for Social Insurance. National Council for Occupational Safety and Health Award. Glossary and Narrative in Occupational Safety and Health. GCC Strategic Framework for Occupational Safety and Health. National Incentive Program for Compliance and Excellence. In his keynote address, Al-Rajhi reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to protecting people and ensuring safe work environments according to the highest standards, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the job market and improving quality of life. He also explained that the rapid economic and technological transformations require strengthening preventive cultures and continuously updating safety systems and procedures. He also stressed that the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health is one of the key enablers for developing an integrated system based on international standards and best practices. Shaping a safer and healthier workforce Gathering distinguished leaders, decision-makers and experts from the public and private sectors, as well as international academic institutions, the conference expects to welcome more than 8,000 in-person attendees this year, in addition to around 100,000 projected to participate virtually. This includes participants from six continents and more than 46 countries, with 190 local and international speakers leading discussions. The conference emphasizes holistic wellbeing, addressing both physical and psychological safety aspects to redefine practices for balanced and healthy work environments. By fostering productive dialogue about the latest trends and innovations, sharing best practices and exchanging valuable knowledge, GOSH7 aspires to shape a safer and healthier future for all members of the workforce. Read: UAE and Croatia explore opportunities in new economy, tourism and advanced technology Youth-driven hackathon to promote developing tech solutions In line with Vision 2030, GOSH7 features a youth-driven hackathon that seeks to inspire innovation by developing technological solutions for the most pressing challenges in occupational health and safety. The winners will be announced on the closing day of the event, ensuring their contributions are celebrated. The conference program also features 20 panel discussions, 60 workshops and 40 keynote papers. Attendees can also engage in over 100 parallel sessions, enriching their experience with diverse insights and collaborative opportunities. GOSH7's commitment to a comprehensive occupational health and safety framework corresponds with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 related to quality of life and sustainability, while promising to leave a legacy on the safety standards of global workplaces.
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.
