Saudi Occupational Safety Council denies misinformation on Kingdom’s working conditions

The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health in Saudi Arabia has firmly rejected recent claims circulating in the media that suggest an increase in worker fatalities linked to working conditions within the Kingdom. In a statement issued today, the council highlighted that these reports contain unfounded statistics lacking credible sources and misrepresent the situation.

According to official data, the rate of work-related fatalities in Saudi Arabia stands at 1.12 per 100,000 workers, positioning the country among those with the lowest worker fatality rates globally. This achievement has been recognized by the International Labour Organization (ILO), which has praised Saudi Arabia’s strides in occupational safety, citing reduced workplace accidents and improvements in worker protections. Other international bodies, including the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management and the British Safety Council, have echoed these commendations, acknowledging the Kingdom’s commitment to worker safety.

The council reaffirmed that worker safety and welfare remain central to Saudi Arabia's regulatory framework, particularly under the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative. The National Strategic Program for Occupational Safety and Health, launched in 2017 as part of Vision 2030, has implemented thorough reviews and updates to workplace safety standards, regulations, and legislation to enhance worker protection nationwide.

Additionally, Saudi labour laws mandate comprehensive health insurance coverage for employees, ensuring access to essential preventive and therapeutic services. During the summer, laws also prohibit outdoor work under direct sunlight to prevent heat-related incidents, aligning with ILO international labour standards on safe working hours and conditions.

The council stressed the importance of verifying information and relying on reputable sources, reminding the public to seek information from reliable outlets.