Occupational Health Protections
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Saudi royal decrees, regulations, and ministerial decisions.
Saudi National Law
What is this right?
Saudi law protects workers from health hazards on the job:
- 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 minimize workplace health risks through ventilation, protective equipment, exposure limits, and safe handling procedures.
- Occupational diseases: The Labour Law lists recognized occupational diseases. If you develop one from your work, you are entitled to full medical treatment and compensation through GOSI (General Organization for Social Insurance).
- GOSI coverage: Workers registered with GOSI receive coverage for work injuries and occupational diseases, including medical treatment, disability payments, and survivor benefits.
- Right to refuse: Workers can refuse dangerous work that poses an imminent health risk, and they cannot be penalized for doing so.
When does it apply?
- You work in a hazardous occupation — construction, 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 or health screenings.
What should you do?
- Report unsafe conditions to your employer in writing and keep a copy.
- If you develop a work-related illness, report it to GOSI and get medical documentation linking the condition to your work.
- Request your periodic medical exam if your employer has not arranged one.
- File a complaint with MHRSD (19911) if your employer ignores safety requirements.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not skip medical examinations — early detection of occupational diseases is critical for treatment and claims.
- Do not work without required protective equipment — insist your employer provides it.
- Do not delay reporting a work-related illness — GOSI claims require timely notification.
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