Book an appointment with us, or search the directory to find the right lawyer for you directly through the app.
Find out moreOur knowledge, experience, and expertise are now available on the go.
We are proud to announce the launch of My Tamimi App, a convenient new tool for anyone with an interest in the legal sector, from law students to General Counsel.
Find out moreA new resolution requiring companies in certain industries to appoint full-time Saudi Health and Safety Officers (“HSO”) has been issued by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Labour and Social Development (“MLSD”). The resolution also creates an obligation in respect of the Saudization of the full time position(s).
This new resolution, No. 76509, aims to regulate the management of health and safety in the workplace and follows a new Saudi Labour Law which was issued in 2015, subsequently followed by the health and safety management regulation of 1st of July 2018, which set out reasonably practicable requirements and measures that employers are obligated to implement in their day to day operations in order to ensure the safety of employees.
MLSD’s resolution is accompanied by a comprehensive binding manual (the “Manual”), outlining employers’ obligations, HSO qualifications, and percentages of HSOs required.
Employers are categorised under the new law into distinct groups based on their economic activity. Companies carrying out economic activities in the following industries must appoint at least 2% of their workforce as HSOs;
Any other industries not above mentioned should ensure 1% of their workforce are appointed as HSOs.
The Manual includes a list of the required qualification of HSOs which is either a Masters or Ph.D, bachelor, or diploma in occupational health and safety from a local or internationally approved entity, in addition to having ten years health and safety experience. HSOs’ qualification must be approved and registered with MLSD and the General Organization for Social Insurance respectively. Furthermore, employers are obligated to divide the number of HSOs within their business both as professionals and specialised occupational health and safety practitioners. Professionally qualified and accredited persons must hold between (30% – 40%) of all HSOs positions.
The Kingdom’s legal and regulatory landscape is developing swiftly, as a result of a number of government initiatives and national strategic plans. It is important for businesses to navigate the regulatory landscape carefully in order to manage risk and ensure compliance with local laws. Fines could be issued of up to 25,000 SAR for failing to comply with the MLSD obligations.
As the largest law firm in Saudi Arabia and in the MENA region, Al Tamimi & Company has lawyers on the ground who can help you understand the requirements of regulations in the Kingdom and guide your company on compliance with them.
Bandar Al Hamidani
Partner, Corporate Commercial
b.alhamidani@tamimi.com
James McMillan
Senior Associate, Corporate Commercial
j.mcmillan@tamimi.com
Abdulaziz AlKhamri
Trainee Lawyer, Corporate Commercial
a.alkhamri@tamimi.com
To learn more about our services and get the latest legal insights from across the Middle East and North Africa region, click on the link below.
Disclaimer: This chat service should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice which takes account of your specific circumstances and any changes in the law and practice. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided via this service and no liability is accepted by Al Tamimi & Company Limited, its affiliates, partners or employees for any loss arising as a result of reliance upon the information provided.
Kindly accept the disclaimer to proceed to a live chat.
Thank you for your inquiry. We will connect you to one of our agents now.
Thank you. Which service are you looking for?
Thank you for your interest in working with Al Tamimi & Company. Please click here to view our latest job openings.
Please click here leave a message and we will get back to you shortly.