Saudi Arabia Unveils Mandatory Occupational Fitness Testing for Employees
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) in Saudi Arabia has introduced a new initiative to enhance occupational well-being and safety by implementing mandatory occupational fitness testing for employees across all sectors, including government, private, and non-profit. This move aims to reduce work-related accidents and diseases while promoting a healthy work environment.
Background and Objectives
According to reports, the MHRSD plans to introduce the National Regulations for Occupational Fitness Tests on the Istitlaa Public Survey platform, gathering feedback from the public and stakeholders before enforcing the regulations. The primary objective of this initiative is to establish a comprehensive framework for assessing employees’ physical and psychological fitness, ensuring they can perform their duties safely and effectively.
Types of Tests and Framework
The regulations outline three types of tests for employees: general medical testing, specialized additional testing, and psychological testing. These tests aim to monitor individual health and promote occupational well-being through pre-employment and periodic employee evaluations. The framework for assessing employees’ fitness is designed to align with national standards and international best practices.
Who Does the Tests Apply To?
The regulations apply to all employees in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, including:
- New hires before appointment
- Current employees under specific conditions, such as:
- After an occupational injury
- Upon return from extended medical leave
- When there are doubts about the employee’s ability to perform duties
- When the job requires periodic medical examinations
- When an employee changes roles or professions
- If the work environment changes
- When new equipment or machinery is introduced
- Upon retirement, if the worker was exposed to hazardous substances such as asbestos
Pre-employment Medical Examinations
The regulations outline procedures for medical examinations for those in high-risk roles, standardize examination forms, and define periodic and exceptional examinations suitable for each profession. They also provide a comprehensive health database for all workers and promote compliance with local and international occupational safety standards.
Who Conducts the Medical Examinations?
Occupational fitness assessments must be carried out by a specialized team supervised by a certified occupational medicine specialist accredited by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties and registered with the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health.
Employment Categories After Medical Testing
Following the pre-employment examination, candidates will be classified as:
- Medically fit and permitted to practice the job
- Medically fit with restrictions or considerations, including time limitations
- Medically unfit, with restrictions or considerations, including time limitations
If a worker fails to meet fitness requirements in a periodic test, they will be prohibited from continuing in their current role, and management must take steps to reassign them.
Objection to Test Results
Employees have the right to object to test results within 30 days of notification. An independent review committee comprising specialists in occupational medicine and related fields will issue a decision within 15 days of receiving the objection.
Conclusion
The introduction of mandatory occupational fitness testing for employees in Saudi Arabia is a significant step towards enhancing workplace safety, promoting healthy work environments, and reducing work-related accidents and diseases. This initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting workers’ health and well-being while ensuring their ability to perform duties safely and effectively.