Minister of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) Eng. Ahmad Suliman Al-Rajhi launched Monday the International Saudi Conference for Occupational Health and Safety here. In his welcome speech, Eng. Al-Rajhi noted the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is determined to improve the level of occupational safety and health in the Saudi labor market, following the best international standards and practices, by the National Strategic Program for Occupational Safety and Health, which is part of the national transformation program under the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Eng. Al-Rajhi stressed the importance of coordinating the efforts nationally between related parties and institutions, to raise the occupational safety level in all sectors in the labor market, and make the work environment safe and attractive to the workforce. Eng. Al-Rajhi also called on utilizing the pioneering international practices and experiences in the occupational safety and health field, and building partnerships with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and specialized associations to exchange experiences and knowledge. He also made a number of announcements related to the occupational safety and health field: Firstly, the ministry intends to launch a regulating occupational safety and health platform for small and micro enterprises, which will allow small enterprises to apply occupational safety and health standards, thereby protecting them from work-related injuries and accidents, avoiding violations. Secondly, signing two memorandums of understanding with Um Al Qura University to establish a research, development, and innovation center in the field of occupational safety and health, and collaborating in improving occupational health services in coordination with related parties. Thirdly, starting a project to organize and develop the registration of work accidents and investigation procedures, to avoid work-related injuries and accidents, and minimize its negative impacts on the labor market. Moreover, the minister opened the exhibition the conference, and visited the strategic partner booth (General Organization for Social Insurance), and praised the active role of the organization and the impact of its projects in reducing work-related injuries, and the medical care for the workers also was briefed on the booth informational components about details of the organization projects. He also went to the primary sponsor's booth (Saudi Aramco), where officials demonstrated the company's unique accomplishments in the occupational safety and health field, as well as its proficiency in adhering to strict and detailed safety regulations to protect workers and avoid any expected danger, losses, and slowing productivity, making the company an international role model in the occupational safety and health field. The conference will last three days, from Nov. 15-17, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The conference program will include the accompanying exhibition and the creation of socializing networks between participants in their booths, work papers in the main hall, workshops in specialized halls presented by international and national experts, and attendance certificates for those who attend in person or virtually via the electronic conference platform. — SG
