When H.E. Eng. Ahmed bin Suleiman Al-Rajhi, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) and Chairman of National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NCOSH), announced that Saudi Arabia’s workplace injury rate dropped from 416 to 288 per 100,000 workers — it wasn’t just a milestone, it was a moment to applaud every effort behind safer work environments.

This 30% drop shows the strong efforts made to improve worker’s safety across all sectors, especially those outdoors, so they can enjoy healthier, more sustainable work lives.

To understand how this shift began and what more can be done, we had an exclusive interview with Engineer Majid bin Ibrahim Al Fawiz, Secretary General of NCOSH- Saudi Arabia. He shared how workplace safety has shifted toward holistic employee well-being, and how companies can create safe, inclusive, and future-ready environments. 

Read the full-interview below:

Mental health and wellbeing in the workplace are key topics today. How is the Council incorporating psychological support into current OSH policies? What steps can employers and HRs take to elevate mental health to the same level as physical injuries and illnesses in workplace safety discussions?

Highlighting mental health and employee well-being during GOSH7 was one of the most significant outcomes, emphasizing the importance of transitioning from a traditional safety concept to a holistic approach that integrates psychological and well-being dimensions within the work environment.

In line with this global shift, the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health adopted an integrated initiative over the past year that promotes a comprehensive prevention approach, including mental safety, quality of life, and organizational well-being. Key outcomes of this initiative include:

• Employee Well-being Model, which helps organizations assess and improve workplace environments to support mental health.
• Employee Engagement Model, which fosters a sense of belonging and work-life balance.

As for the role of employers and HR departments, there are tangible steps they can take to elevate mental health to the level of physical injuries and illnesses, including:

1. Integrating mental health into occupational risk management plans instead of treating it as a separate domain.
2. Providing targeted psychological support programs that include counseling, help lines, and psychological first aid.
3. Training supervisors and managers to recognize signs of mental stress and respond professionally.
4. Including mental well-being indicators in regular safety and performance reports.
5. Adopting flexible work policies that allow for a balance between professional demands and personal needs.

Promoting mental health in the workplace requires a cultural shift driven by top leadership and supported by a responsive human resources system that prioritizes human needs.

The Council remains committed to supporting this transformation through guidance tools, national and Gulf partnerships, and comprehensive awareness programs.

Is the Council also working to include digital economy workers in OSH policies? How can national safety policies be expanded to ensure that digitally-enabled workers, like freelancers and remote workers, receive the same legal protections as traditional employees?

The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health recognizes the profound transformations in the labor market, including the growing prevalence of digital economy work models such as freelancers and remote workers.

With this in mind, the Council is placing this issue among its institutional development priorities, taking into account regulatory overlaps among relevant stakeholders and seeking a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to modern work models.

The Council’s efforts in this area focus on:

• Analyzing occupational risks and challenges associated with non-traditional work.
• Reviewing international practices and assessing their relevance to the local context.
• Strengthening coordination with regulatory bodies to build a flexible national framework that aligns with the shifts in the digital economy.

Additionally, the Council is working to incorporate concepts such as “digital psychological safety” and “non-traditional occupational prevention” into its awareness programs to ensure comprehensive protection for all workers, regardless of their location or type of contract.

It adopts a gradual, integrated approach grounded in reliable data and a deep understanding of these worker categories, aiming to align national policies and OSH principles with market dynamics and ensure fair occupational protection for all.

During the peak summer months, how is the Council addressing workplace heat stress through technical solutions, national legislation, and targeted support for the most vulnerable industries and worker groups?

The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health treats heat stress as a priority that requires a combination of preventive, awareness-raising, and regulatory efforts.

The Council leads nationwide campaigns before and during the summer to raise awareness about the dangers of direct sun and high heat exposure and to increase employer compliance with preventive measures.

Measures include:

• Organizing rest periods during peak heat hours (e.g., midday breaks).
• Providing cooled and ventilated rest areas at worksites.
• Mandating employers to supply suitable personal protective equipment.
• Issuing regular professional guidelines outlining employer responsibilities and recommended actions.

The Council has issued:

1. An operational guide for OSH to prevent the effects of sun exposure and heat stress.
2. A reference guide for working in hot environments, detailing procedures to protect workers from heatstroke and heat-related stress.

In collaboration with partners, the Council also monitors violations and enhances compliance while exploring innovative technological solutions such as thermal sensors and smart environmental monitoring systems to help reduce heat-related injuries.

How can companies build a safety culture that keeps pace with climate change, evolving technologies, and a diversifying workforce?

The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health believes that building a strong and sustainable safety culture amidst rapid changes requires a proactive, comprehensive, and adaptable approach to environmental, technological, and social shifts. To meet the challenges of climate change, technological advancement, and workforce diversity, companies should focus on:

#1 Integrating climate change risks into safety planning:

Organizations should incorporate climate-related hazards—such as heat stress, poor air quality, and extreme weather—into their OSH risk assessments and emergency preparedness plans.

For example, NCOSH has published a dedicated guideline for working in high-heat environments, offering preventive instructions tailored for industries most affected by climate exposure, such as construction and agriculture.

#2 Leveraging advanced technologies:

Technologies such as automation, wearable sensors, and AI can improve workplace safety and prevention. However, these solutions must be paired with proper training, thorough risk assessments, and policies that ensure privacy and worker safety.

#3 Promoting inclusive safety practices:

Diverse workforces require inclusive safety strategies that account for different languages, cultures, genders, and physical abilities.

NCOSH’s awareness campaigns are issued in multiple languages to reach both local and migrant workers and are designed to ensure cultural sensitivity.

#4 Effective leadership and accountability:

Safety must be institutionalized and championed from the top. This includes clear safety KPIs, transparent reporting, and reinforcing safe behaviors through recognition programs. NCOSH’s “National OSH Award” encourages organizations to embed leadership-driven safety programs.

#5 Collaboration and knowledge-sharing:

Companies are encouraged to work with regulators, researchers, and industry partners to continuously improve.

Through partnerships such as the Gulf Strategic Framework for OSH, NCOSH promotes regional knowledge-sharing to align workplace safety with long-term environmental and economic shifts.

The Council reaffirms its commitment to supporting national policies and initiatives that enable companies to build safe, inclusive, and sustainable work environments capable of adapting to future challenges.

How critical is real-time data and evidence in shaping proactive occupational safety interventions, especially in high-risk environments?

Real-time data and evidence are pivotal in developing effective, proactive occupational safety and health interventions, particularly in high-risk environments such as construction sites, manufacturing, and the energy sector. Their significance lies in the following:

#1 Immediate hazard monitoring:

Real-time data allows for on-the-spot tracking of environmental and operational indicators such as noise levels, temperature, emissions, and work hours—enabling quick decisions to prevent incidents or mitigate impacts.

#2 Trend analysis and risk prediction:

Data-driven tools help identify patterns in safety performance and predict where incidents are likely to occur. The Council is currently piloting a data analytics dashboard to support regulators and large employers in identifying high-risk zones based on previous incident trends.

#3 Improved emergency response:

In case of incidents or sudden failures, real-time data speeds up alarm systems, evacuation procedures, and response efforts—reducing human and material losses.

#4 Enhancing accountability and transparency:

Digital systems record safety compliance actions, fostering transparency and improved oversight. NCOSH encourages public reporting of OSH performance metrics, and its forthcoming “OSH Performance Dashboard” will allow organizations to benchmark their practices.

#5 Enabling continuous learning:

Real-time data builds institutional memory and informs the design of more relevant training and safety education. The Council includes real-case scenarios from field data in its OSH awareness and training content, ensuring that material reflects real risks workers face.

Accordingly, the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health supports and promotes technologies that enhance data collection and analysis, empowering organizations to develop proactive solutions that protect workers and ensure safer, more sustainable workplaces.

What role can international forums and social dialogue platforms play to harmonize occupational safety standards across borders and help build a more collaborative, future-ready ecosystem?

International forums and social dialogue platforms play a fundamental role in harmonizing standards and building more interconnected and future-ready OSH systems. Their value lies in several areas:

1. Knowledge sharing and experience exchange:

These forums are vital spaces for exchanging success stories and lessons learned, contributing to a global knowledge base that strengthens prevention and response practices.

2. Convergence of standards and legislation:

Multilateral meetings help close gaps between national systems by promoting the adoption of international principles and standards, such as those set by the International Labour Organization (ILO), supporting labor mobility and improving global work environments.

3. Fostering regional and international cooperation:

These platforms enhance partnerships between governments, employers, workers, and academic institutions, facilitating policy-making based on consensus and social dialogue.

4. Boosting preparedness for global challenges:

In times of global crises—such as pandemics, climate change, or digital transformation—these forums help coordinate efforts and implement more effective proactive solutions.

5. Empowering workers and promoting professional equity:

Social dialogue gives workers a direct voice in policy-making, enhancing compliance and cultivating a culture of collective, sustainable safety.

In this spirit, the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health actively participates in regional and international initiatives. Key contributions include:

• Leading the development of the Gulf Strategic Framework for OSH, recently approved in collaboration with the Executive Bureau of the Council of Gulf Labor and Social Affairs Ministers, marking a significant step toward unified regional standards.
• Participating in GOSH7 as a global platform bringing together experts and practitioners, where the Council presented national initiatives adaptable to diverse contexts.
• Promoting social dialogue tools at the local level by supporting participatory programs among government agencies, the private sector, and labor committees to build a comprehensive governance system for work environments.

The Council continues its efforts in this domain, aspiring to serve as a national bridge for global cooperation in OSH matters, ensuring safer and more sustainable workplaces for all.