MLSD plans to enforce OSH Management System in July

The Ministry of Labor and Social Development (MLSD) plans to implement the Occupational Safety and Health Management System on July 1st as well as launch inspection rounds to make sure employers comply with the guidelines. Khaled Abalkhail, spokesman for MLSD, stressed the objective of these inspection visits is to ensure construction firms follow OSH guidelines and principles and spread awareness among employers and workers about the importance of complying with OSH instructions. The spokesman added the ministry will be keen to enforce provisions of the Labor Law against those who violate OSH regulations as they will be fined SR25,000 that can be multiplied by the number of workers, which is in harmony with the magnitude of violation involved. Meanwhile, the system aims to spread awareness of the importance of OSH in enhancing attractiveness of work, activate a culture of prevention, promote the importance of enforcing OSH guidelines, develop national regulations and motivate employers to create an attractive, a safe and healthy work environment. Additionally, it is in a bid to strengthen the role of OSH management at workplace, exchange experiences and deliver best practices on OSH, as well as utilizing local and international programs in the field. Abalkhail urged everyone to contact the ministry on its customer service No. (19911) if they want to submit inquires or report OSH violations which will be forwarded to the Department of Inspection and Development of Work Environment in order to take action.