RIYADH — Companies and establishments which violate occupational safety and health regulations face a fine of up to SR25,000 that can be increased by the number of workers involved, Muhammad Al-Faleh, assistant deputy minister of labor and social development for inspection and development of work environment, has reiterated. He emphasized that employers should also take necessary measures to protect workers against hazards and occupational diseases. Al-Faleh said that the number of work injuries mostly took place in the construction sector. The Ministry of Labor and Social Development is continuing its inspections to check occupational safety and health by private establishments, particularly those engaged in construction projects, he said. He said inspectors visited the Riyadh Metro Project and King Abdullah Financial District as well as a number of other construction sites in Riyadh, Makkah and the Eastern Province. Al-Faleh said that workers should use protection devices and equipment. He called upon citizens and residents to contact the ministry's customer service at 19911 in case of inquiries and complaints related to occupational safety and health. All cases are transferred to the Department of Inspection and Development of Work Environment for taking punitive action, he added.
