Occupational Health Protections in Saudi Arabia
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Saudi royal decrees, regulations, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Saudi law protects workers from health hazards on the job — with the GOSI (General Organization for Social Insurance) system providing injury and disease compensation:
- Health assessments: Employers must provide pre-employment and periodic medical examinations for workers in hazardous occupations, at the employer's expense.
- Hazard controls: Employers must minimise workplace health risks through ventilation, protective equipment, exposure limits, and safe handling procedures. Saudi Arabia enforces a midday work ban (12pm-3pm) during summer months for outdoor workers.
- Occupational diseases: The Labour Law lists recognised occupational diseases. If you develop one from your work, you are entitled to full medical treatment and compensation through GOSI.
- GOSI coverage: Workers registered with GOSI receive coverage for work injuries and occupational diseases, including medical treatment, temporary disability payments, permanent disability compensation, and survivor benefits.
- Right to refuse: Workers can refuse dangerous work that poses an imminent health risk without penalty.
When does it apply?
- You work in a hazardous occupation — construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, chemicals, mining, healthcare, etc.
- You have developed a health condition that may be related to your work.
- Your employer is not providing safety equipment, health screenings, or observing the summer midday work ban.
What to Do If You Developed a Work-Related Illness or Your Employer Ignores Health Safety Rules in Saudi Arabia
- Report unsafe conditions to your employer in writing and keep a copy.
- If you develop a work-related illness, report it to GOSI and obtain medical documentation linking the condition to your work.
- Request your periodic medical exam if your employer has not arranged one — the law requires them in hazardous occupations.
- File a complaint with MHRSD (call 19911) if your employer ignores safety requirements or violates the summer midday work ban.
- Use the 937 MOH hotline to report workplace health hazards that affect patient safety (e.g., in healthcare settings).
What should you NOT do?
- Do not skip medical examinations — early detection of occupational diseases is critical for treatment and for GOSI claims.
- Do not work without required protective equipment — insist your employer provides it, and report failures to MHRSD.
- Do not delay reporting a work-related illness — GOSI claims require timely notification, and delay weakens the causal link to your employment.
Common Questions
When does it apply — occupational health protections?
You work in a hazardous occupation — construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, chemicals, mining, healthcare, etc.You have developed a health condition that may be related to your work.Your employer is not providing safety equipment, health screenings, or observing the summer midday work ban.
What should I do if I have developed a health condition from my job or my employer is not providing required safety measures in Saudi Arabia?
Report unsafe conditions to your employer in writing and keep a copy.If you develop a work-related illness, report it to GOSI and obtain medical documentation linking the condition to your work.Request your periodic medical exam if your employer has not arranged one — the law requires them in hazardous occupations.File a complaint with MHRSD (call 19911) if your employer ignores safety requirements or violates the summer midday work ban.Use the 937 MOH hotline to report workplace health hazards that affect patient safety (e.g., in healthcare settings).
What should you NOT do — occupational health protections?
Do not skip medical examinations — early detection of occupational diseases is critical for treatment and for GOSI claims.Do not work without required protective equipment — insist your employer provides it, and report failures to MHRSD.Do not delay reporting a work-related illness — GOSI claims require timely notification, and delay weakens the causal link to your employment.