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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
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.
