NCOSH Signs Joint Memorandum of Cooperation with Lean Business Services to Strengthen Collaboration in Occupational Safety and Health The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NCOSH) signed a Joint Memorandum of Cooperation with Lean Business Services to strengthen collaboration, exchange expertise and knowledge, and develop initiatives, programs, and projects of mutual interest in the field of occupational safety and health. The memorandum was signed on behalf of NCOSH by H.E. Eng. Majid bin Ibrahim Al-Fuwaiz, Secretary-General, while Lean Business Services was represented by Mr. Mohannad bin Abdullah bin Rasheed, Chief Executive Officer. The Joint Memorandum of Cooperation comes as part of both parties’ efforts to expand institutional cooperation and leverage their respective expertise and capabilities, contributing to the development of occupational safety and health practices and solutions, improving efficiency, and enhancing the quality of work. Areas of cooperation include the exchange of expertise and knowledge; the development and implementation of initiatives, programs, and projects of mutual interest; and the delivery of training programs, workshops, and specialized events. The two parties will also cooperate in developing relevant operating models, procedures, and services. The Joint Memorandum of Cooperation also covers cooperation in digital and technical solutions, as well as the exchange of data and information in accordance with applicable regulations. It further provides for coordination with relevant entities to support the implementation of joint initiatives and projects, in addition to exploring opportunities for advisory and development services and specialized initiatives within each party’s respective mandate. The memorandum also allows the two parties to hold meetings, discussions, and workshops as necessary to follow up on areas of cooperation and enhance integration between them, with the possibility of agreeing on additional areas of cooperation in support of their shared objectives. The Joint Memorandum of Cooperation reflects NCOSH’s commitment to strengthening institutional partnerships and integrating efforts with various national entities, supporting the development of the occupational safety and health system, promoting the exchange of knowledge and expertise, and leveraging modern solutions and relevant practices.

Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and National Council for Occupational Safety and Health Announce Conclusion of the 2026 Ban Work Under Direct Sunlight Implementation Period The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, in coordination with the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, announced the conclusion of the designated implementation period for the 2026 Ban Work Under Direct Sunlight decision. The period ran from June 15 to September 15, 2026, between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. and applied to private-sector establishments. The decision was implemented as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the protection of workers’ health and safety and mitigate occupational safety and health risks arising from direct exposure to sunlight and high temperatures. It also contributes to creating safe and healthy work environments and reinforcing the principles of prevention and occupational safety and health across various sectors. Throughout the implementation period, coordinated inspection and awareness-raising activities were carried out. The Ministry conducted (29945) inspection visits across the Kingdom, while the compliance rate among establishments reached 95%. A total of (1771) violations were recorded, and (41) reports related to the implementation of the decision were addressed. In parallel with the inspection efforts, the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health carried out a range of awareness activities and produced educational materials aimed at increasing workers’ awareness of the risks associated with sun exposure and heat stress and promoting preventive practices among employers and workers. These efforts included multilingual awareness content, educational workshops and sessions, and the use of digital and media platforms to reach various target groups. During the implementation period, the campaign published more than (168) awareness and communication materials in (7) languages and reached more than (4,000) beneficiaries through its accompanying awareness programs and activities. The results achieved reflect growing awareness of the importance of complying with occupational safety and health requirements, as well as the effective coordination of regulatory, inspection, and awareness-raising efforts. They also demonstrate the cooperation of private-sector establishments and workers in supporting the implementation of the decision and promoting safe work environments. The Ministry and the Council that the conclusion of the designated implementation period for the Ban Work Under Direct Sunlight decision does not mean that responsibility for preventing heat-stress risks has ended. They stressed the importance of establishments continuing to assess occupational risks and adopt appropriate preventive measures and controls to safeguard workers’ health and safety throughout the year. The Ministry and the Council also expressed their appreciation for the commitment of private-sector establishments and the cooperation of workers and all relevant stakeholders throughout the implementation period. They reaffirmed that efforts would continue to promote a culture of prevention, improve compliance levels, and establish occupational safety and health as a fundamental pillar of workplace quality and sustainability.

The Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Chairman of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, launched today the Regulation for Occupational Fitness Examinations and Non-Communicable Diseases. The regulation aims to enable early detection of non-communicable diseases, enhance the health of workers in workplaces, reduce the rate of occupational injuries and diseases, and ensure selecting the most suitable individuals for sensitive professions. It also aims to raise the level of preventive measures in workplaces and improve the quality of life and public health of workers, which positively reflects on their safety, performance, and productivity. The regulation contributes to reducing workplace injuries, accidents, and occupational diseases by strengthening early preventive examination procedures and improving workers’ physical and psychological fitness, ensuring that they can perform their duties efficiently and safely. It also organizes the mechanisms of pre-employment medical examinations, periodic examinations, and exceptional examinations for high-risk professions, with the aim of protecting workers’ health and unifying medical examination models in line with the nature of each profession. The regulation also includes the establishment of comprehensive health databases to support decision-makers and enhance preventive monitoring, contributing to improving and raising the efficiency of work environments. The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health continues its efforts to improve the level of compliance with national standards and relevant international agreements, thereby strengthening the Kingdom’s position on global indicators related to occupational safety and health.