RIYADH: The 7th Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference kicked off in Riyadh on Sunday, focusing on "The Future of Occupational Safety and Health."
In his opening address, Ahmed Al-Rajhi, Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and chairman of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, introduced several initiatives aimed at enhancing the Kingdom's occupational safety system.
These initiatives include 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 highlighted significant achievements, noting a reduction in work-related deaths to less than one per 100,000 workers since the council's establishment.
Additionally, the number of Saudi nationals employed in occupational safety and health roles has increased by 130%, reaching over 29,000 by the end of 2024, compared to 2022 figures.
The minister also pointed out improvements in safety compliance and automation, with the safety standards compliance rate reaching 72% by the end of 2024, and safety procedure automation surpassing 62%, up from 30% in 2020.
The conference brings together officials, experts, and specialists from Saudi Arabia and around the world to address the future of occupational safety, challenges, and opportunities in global labor markets.
Key themes include workplace sustainability, digitization, safety economics, research and innovation, emerging challenges, and safety culture.
This event underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to improving workplace environments and aligning with global best practices, contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.
Al-Rajhi also referenced alarming international statistics: 3 million worker deaths annually due to accidents and occupational diseases, and 395 million non-fatal injuries.
He emphasized the global concern over heat stress, mental health issues related to work, and the importance of addressing these challenges.
The conference program includes scientific sessions, 60 workshops, 20 dialogue sessions, and the Global Occupational Safety and Health Hackathon, where 30 innovative projects will be presented.
An accompanying exhibition features local and international organizations, with several key agreements expected.
The General Organization for Social Insurance launched a new directory for occupational safety standards at the conference, providing a unified reference for specialists and businesses.
The directory includes more than 4,500 standards across six sectors: public industries, construction, agriculture, maritime, transport, and mining. It aims to reduce workplace injuries and hazards based on international best practices.
Al-Rajhi emphasized that these efforts are integral to improving work environments, enhancing worker safety, and supporting the Kingdom’s labor market competitiveness in line with Vision 2030.
[Reported by Arab News]
