The Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, and Chairman of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, announces the launch of the seventh edition of the global Conference on Occupational Safety and Health Riyadh hosts leaders in occupational safety and health from governments, academia, and the business sector to shape the future of this vital field Monday, March 24, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – His Excellency Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Chairman of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, today announced the launch of the seventh edition of the Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference (GOSH7), in the presence of prominent leaders in the field from government entities, the private sector, and academic institutions, both from within the Kingdom and abroad. The global Conference on Occupational Safety and Health will be held over three days at the Four Seasons Hotel Conference Center in Riyadh from May 4 to 6, 2025. It serves as a scientific platform to present key topics related to the future of occupational safety and health, 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 Human Resources and Social Development, Chairman of the National Council, said: “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.” For his part, His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Nasser Abuthnain, Vice Minister for Labor, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development ,Vice Chairman of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health said: “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. His Excellency added, “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 that 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 occupational 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.

In reference to the misinformation circulating across various media platforms—particularly claims suggesting an increase in worker fatalities linked to working conditions in Saudi Arabia, accompanied by unfounded statistics lacking credible sources—the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health in Saudi Arabia unequivocally refutes these assertions. The Council affirms the work-related fatalities in Saudi Arabia is 1.12 per 100,000 workers. This figure positions Saudi Arabia among the lowest globally in terms of work-related fatalities. The International Labour Organization (ILO) acknowledges this progress, highlighting on its official website that Saudi Arabia has made significant advancements in improving occupational safety and health and reducing workplace accidents at the national level. Similar commendations have been offered by other reputable international organizations, including the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management and the British Safety Council. The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health reiterates that the safety and well-being of workers are fundamental priorities in all regulations and laws implemented in Saudi Arabia. The initiatives outlined in the Saudi Vision 2030 framework place human well-being at the forefront of all programs and development projects, notably through the National Strategic Program for Occupational Safety and Health. Launched in 2017 as part of Vision 2030, this program aims to review and enhance workplace safety protocols, regulations, and legislation. Additionally, Saudi labour laws mandate that employers provide comprehensive health insurance that covers essential preventive, therapeutic, and healthcare services for all employees. Regulations also restrict work under direct sunlight during the summer months and establish working hours in accordance with international standards set forth in relevant ILO agreements. We emphasize the importance of verifying information and sourcing it from credible outlets.

The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NCOSH) has met with the Executive Office of the Ministers of Labor in the GCC countries. This meeting took place on the evening of Monday, May 6, 2024, in conjunction with the Sixth Saudi Global Conference on Occupational Safety and Health.   The meeting was attended by Dr. Manal Azzi, the Global Team Lead on OSH at ILO, and Mr. Mohammed Al-Abdely, the General Director of the Executive Office of the GCC Ministers of Labor. The meeting was commenced by Eng. Majed bin Ibrahim Al-Fuwaiz, the General Secretary of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health. He delved into the Kingdom's OSH landscape, emphasizing policy, legislative, and regulatory efforts aimed at bolstering workplace safety and health standards. He also emphasized the importance of providing a safe, healthy, and attractive working environment for employees. Furthermore, Mr. Mohammed Al-Abdely, the General Director of the Executive Office of the GCC Ministers of Labor, highlighted the role of the Executive Office in coordinating labor affairs among the GCC countries. He emphasized the importance of cooperation in enhancing occupational safety and health, as well as unifying systems and procedures in this field.   Moreover, Dr. Manal Azzi stressed the importance of compliance with International Labour Organization Conventions No. 155 and No. 187 and their impact on improving the working environment and ensuring the safety of Employees. These conventions represent the fundamental principles that must be adhered to in order to promote health and safety in the workplace through the application of standards, procedures, and the adoption of effective policies. She also emphasized on the commitment to achieving and implementing these conventions, as it will reflects a safe and healthy work society that enhances productivity and contribute to comprehensive and sustainable development.   During the meeting, the current status of occupational safety and health in the GCC countries was discussed, as well as the outcomes of the first meeting of the Occupational Safety and Health Team. Strategic initiatives were presented to the GCC Ministers of Labor Committee in the field of occupational safety and health, aiming to enhance legislation and procedures for occupational safety and health in the workplace. These initiatives aim to raise standards in creating a safe, healthy, and sustainable working environment, and to reduce work-related risks through effective governance that contributes to the stability of the workforce and the enhancement of productivity. They also discussed regional and international cooperation between the GCC countries and the International Labour Organization.