RIYADH (Agencies): Saudi Arabia’s National Council for Occupational Safety and Health issued a statement on Friday denying recent reports about harsh working conditions and the number fatalities of laborers in the Kingdom.
“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 refuted these assertions,” the council said in a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Several reports circulating online alleged that over 21,000 workers had died while working in Saudi Arabia in the last eight years.
However, the council said that work-related fatalities in the Kingdom stand at 1.12 per 100,000 workers, which is among the lowest globally.
Additionally, Saudi labor laws mandate that employers provide comprehensive health insurance that covers essential preventive, therapeutic, and healthcare services for all employees, the council added.
Regulations also restrict work in direct sunlight during the summer months and establish working hours in accordance with international standards, according to the council.
The statement also noted that the International Labour Organization (ILO) has acknowledged the low number of fatalities and has highlighted 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 council said in the statement.
“The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health reiterated that the safety and well-being of workers are fundamental priorities in all regulations and laws implemented in Saudi Arabia,” the statement continued.
It also added that the initiatives outlined in the Saudi Vision 2030 plan place “human well-being at the forefront of all programs and development projects,” including the National Strategic Program for Occupational Safety and Health.
The program aims to review and enhance workplace safety protocols, regulations, and legislation, the council said.
The council emphasized the importance of verifying information and sourcing it from credible outlets.
