MLSD, Job Creation Commission launch new initiative to enhance OSH of workers in industrial sector

The Ministry of Labor and Social Development recently launched an initiative aiming to improve occupational safety and health in the indusial sector, which comes as integral part of the national OSH program set by the National Transformation Program 2020.

In cooperation with the Job Creation Commission, the ministry has made strategic partnership with several entities that aim to implement OSH in the industrial sector, including the Human Resources Development Fund, the undersecretary for industrial affairs at the Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources, the General Organization for Social Insurance and the National Industrial Committee of the Council of Saudi Chambers.

Dr. Abdullah Abuthnain, deputy minister for inspection and development of work environment at MLSD, clarified that the initiative is so important to create an attractive environment for the cadres and contribute to effectiveness and efficiency at work as per OSH standards and principles.

Dr. Omer Al-Batati, governor at the Job Generation Commission, stressed the initiative comes at the forefront of other strategic initiatives aiming to restore the work environment in the industrial sector through creating quality jobs for the young people, as well as help generate more jobs in the field of OSH that adds high value to industrial and service entities.

Omar Melibary, HRDF executive director-general, clarified the initiative comes within the HRDF’s efforts exerted to develop human resources, enhance performance level of national cadres in various specialties, particularly in the industrial sector which is considered one of the most important sectors in the Kingdom.

It also comes with the fund’s efforts in offering support and incentive programs for establishments and job seekers, Melibary mentioned further.

Eng. Saleh Al-Selami, deputy minister for industrial affairs at MEIM, pointed out the importance to implement the OSH initiative and its strategic value in the industrial sector in the Kingdom, adding related entities should work to design joint mechanisms for monitoring that aim to faciliate work for industrialists.

Nader al-Wahibi, director-general for planning and development at GOSI, hailed the initiative as the GOSI plays an important role in unifying efforts to enhance workplace safety and health, curb injuries and deaths and raise effectiveness of provided incentives and rewards for safety and health.

Eng. Osama Al-Zmail, chairman of the national industrial committee of the Council of Saudi Chambers, emphasized the crucial role of the private sector in achieving the initiative with developing solutions that take into account the current status of the local industry and its support programs needed to move to the future work environment.

Al-Zamil stressed the importance to educate employers with their roles in contributing to the success of the initiative in the industrial sector.

Meanwhile, the work team has been working to lay out an executive plan for the industrial model with studies on demand and supply and the labor market, as well as following the strategies that encourage the industrial entities to implement the initiative.

The undertaken plan is in a bid to enhance related systems, regulations and best practices, in addition to generate job opportunities in in the area of OSH as it will be implemented within 15 months according to three major phases, in addition to defining roles and responsibilities of each participating entity.