GOSI launches directory for occupational safety and health standards

Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — The General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) launched on Sunday a directory for occupational safety and health standards to serve as a unified reference for specialists, establishments, and relevant entities in Saudi Arabia. This is aimed at enhancing safety and health standards while protecting workers from occupational hazards as part of its broader strategy.
The directory was launched at the opening of the seventh edition of the Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference 2025 (GOSH). Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi inaugurated the conference in Riyadh on Sunday.
According to GOSI, this directory of guidelines has been developed based on leading international practices in occupational safety and health. It aims to assist employers, workers in facilities, and inspectors by providing clear preventive standards to help reduce injuries and occupational hazards in the workplace.
The directory includes more than 4,500 standards covering six main sectors: public industries, construction, agriculture, maritime activities, transport, and mining. Additionally, it features a comprehensive classification of more than 70 sectors based on the national directory of economic activities.
The directory will establish standards that contribute to increasing productivity and promoting economic sustainability, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to achieve a prosperous economy by creating safe and encouraging work environments. Additionally, it seeks to enhance the Kingdom's position and its leadership role in supporting labor rights and investing in human capital, a fundamental pillar of comprehensive and sustainable development.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Arab News

8 hours ago

• Arab News

Saudi Arabia's economic resilience shines in Q1 2025

According to estimates by the General Authority for Statistics, Saudi Arabia's real gross domestic product grew by 3.4 percent in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. On a seasonally adjusted basis, real GDP rose by 1.1 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2024. Non-oil activities grew by 4.9 percent year-on-year and 1 percent quarter-on-quarter. Government activities expanded by 3.2 percent year-on-year and 5.5 percent quarter-on-quarter. In contrast, oil activities declined by 0.5 percent year-on-year and 1.2 percent from the previous quarter. Despite the drop in oil activities, most economic sectors recorded annual growth. For example, wholesale and retail trade, along with restaurants and hotels, recorded the highest growth among non-oil sectors in Q1 2025, rising by 8.4 percent year-on-year and 7 percent quarter-on-quarter. This was followed by transport, storage, and communication activities, which expanded by 6 percent year-on-year and 1.8 percent quarter-on-quarter. Additionally, financial, insurance and business services grew by 5.5 percent compared to the same quarter last year, despite a slight quarter-on-quarter decline of 1 percent. The growth in non-oil activities aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to boost non-oil revenues and diversify the economy to offset potential declines in oil income due to global price volatility or shifts in demand — especially in light of voluntary and mandatory production cuts by OPEC+. As a result of government initiatives, non-oil activities now account for 53.2 percent of GDP, marking a significant step toward achieving the country's diversification goals. The Kingdom's real GDP growth in Q1 2025 was primarily driven by strong non-oil activities, including government-led projects, despite a decline in the oil sector Government activities are significantly contributing to the Kingdom's GDP growth through both direct economic output and broader support. For example, gross fixed capital formation rose by 8.5 percent year-over-year and 7.3 percent quarter-on-quarter, while government final consumption expenditure increased by 5.2 percent year-over-year and 4.5 percent quarter-on-quarter. Meanwhile, private final consumption expenditure grew by 4.5 percent year-over-year but declined by 1.7 percent quarter-on-quarter. In trade, imports rose by 2.7 percent year-over-year but fell by 10 percent quarter-on-quarter. Exports, on the other hand, increased by 1.5 percent year-over-year and surged by 12.3 percent quarter-on-quarter. The rise in fixed capital formation played a key role in supporting the Kingdom's economic performance in Q1 2025, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030 for economic diversification. This growth reflects the government's continued investment in major infrastructure and development projects tied to Vision 2030, including New Murabba, Rua Al-Madinah, Soudah Peaks and other transformative ventures. In conclusion, the Kingdom's real GDP growth in Q1 2025 was primarily driven by strong non-oil activities, including government-led projects, despite a decline in the oil sector. This increase highlights the Kingdom's economic resilience and adaptability amid global declines in oil prices and production. It also reflects the dynamism of the evolving economic landscape, propelled by momentum in non-oil sectors and supported by prudent government policies and strategic investments. Ultimately, this growth underscores steady progress toward achieving Vision 2030 objectives. Finally, it demonstrates the economy's agility in responding to global challenges and its ability to maintain balanced growth, which is essential for sustainable prosperity in the coming quarters. • Talat Zaki Hafiz is an economist and financial analyst. X: @TalatHafiz

Saudi Gazette

12 hours ago

• Saudi Gazette

Revised residential and commercial electricity tariffs to remain same

Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Saudi Electricity Regulatory Authority (ECRA) has approved the new Electricity Service Provision Guide, which was published in the official Umm Al-Qura newspaper on Friday. The guide includes updated consumption tariffs and mechanisms for disconnection and restoration as well as cancellation of electricity service. According to the approved guide, electricity consumption tariffs for the residential sector have been set, ranging between 18 and 30 halalas per kilowatt-hour per month, while tariffs for the commercial sector range between 22 and 32 halalas per kilowatt-hour. The current residential electricity tariff in Saudi Arabia, set by ECRA, is 18 halalas per kWh for consumption up to 6000 kWh per month, and 30 halalas per kWh for consumption exceeding 6000 kWh per month. The current tariffs for the commercial sector is 22 for consumption up to 6000 kWh per month and 32 halalas per kWh for consumption exceeding 6000 kWh per month. These rates were applicable to all residential and commercial customers. The authority's approved guide addresses the reasons for disconnecting electricity service, which include non-payment of tariffs or other reasons not related to payment. The disconnection and reconnection process must be conducted in accordance with regulations published on the websites of the authority and the service provider. Consumers are entitled to obtain a copy of these regulations upon request. The guide explains that the service provider's responsibilities include provision of electricity in accordance with the distribution code and service manual, disconnecting service when necessary, recording consumption with a meter reading cycle not exceeding 30 days, clearing consumption upon termination of the agreement, and canceling service at the consumer's request. It also highlights the need to maintain metering in locations undergoing renovation or reconstruction, and to exercise caution in sensitive areas.

Saudi Gazette

14 hours ago

• Saudi Gazette

Attorney General: Rapid growth in Saudi legislative environment boosts investment climate

Saudi Gazette report SAINT PETERSBURG — Saudi Attorney General Sheikh Saud Al-Muajab said that the rapid development witnessed by the Saudi legislative environment has been instrumental in supporting entrepreneurship and enhancing the investment climate. 'This is through the modernization of legal systems and the development of regulatory procedures in line with the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030,' he said while addressing the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which will conclude on Saturday. The attorney general said that the Public Prosecution has established several specialized prosecution offices to support the investment environment and enhance confidence in the judicial system. 'These initiatives align with international best practices and support efforts to develop legal action tools and promote international judicial cooperation,' he added.