Strategic shift: From reactive to proactive in occupational safety
Experts and leaders in occupational safety and health have affirmed that adopting a proactive approach in the workplace is no longer merely a legal obligation, but has become a fundamental pillar of economic success and organizational sustainability. They pointed out that awareness of occupational hazards, whether physical, chemical, or psychological, represents the first line of defense in preventing accidents that inflict significant economic losses, emphasizing that investing in prevention saves many times more than what might be spent later on treating damages and compensating those injured.
Global context and national trend towards a safe working environment
Historically, the concept of occupational safety and health has evolved globally from merely taking measures after accidents to a comprehensive system aimed at preventing them in the first place. International organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) have been leading this trend for decades, emphasizing that decent work begins with a safe environment. In line with this global trend, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, within the objectives of Vision 2030, places quality of life and human capital development at the heart of its priorities, making the provision of safe and motivating work environments a national imperative to support its development and economic diversification efforts.
The economic impact of investing in safety
Dr. Mohammed bin Darwish Zamzami, an occupational health and safety consultant, explained that adhering to safety standards extends beyond protecting lives to include a direct impact on economic performance. By reducing treatment and compensation costs for work-related injuries, enhancing the organization's reputation, and boosting employee morale, spending on safety becomes one of the most worthwhile investments. He added that providing psychological and physical safety for employees forms a fundamental basis for creativity and productivity, which necessitates a shift from a reactive to a proactive approach through data analysis and the use of modern technologies such as artificial intelligence to predict potential risks.
Shared responsibility: A cornerstone for a sustainable and safe work environment
For his part, safety expert Diaa Mohammed Malibari emphasized that occupational safety culture is a shared responsibility that begins with senior management and extends to every individual within the organization. He explained that the success of safety policies depends on transforming them from mere instructions into deeply ingrained daily practices. He pointed out that technological advancements present new challenges such as psychological stress and burnout, necessitating a comprehensive approach that balances physical and psychological well-being. He affirmed that worker safety is not an option, but rather the foundation for the sustainability and growth of organizations.
A pioneering model: The efforts of the General Organization for Technical and Vocational Training
Speaking to Al-Youm newspaper on the occasion of World Day for Safety and Health at Work, Reem Abdulaziz Al-Muqbil, Deputy Governor for Planning and Business Development at the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC), reviewed the corporation's efforts as a practical model. She explained that training environments face various risks, necessitating the implementation of strict preventive measures. She revealed statistics reflecting the scale of these efforts, noting that mental health promotion programs targeted more than 200,000 trainees, while over 204,000 individuals benefited from 580 programs focused on preventing smoking and the use of psychoactive substances. Furthermore, more than 1,400 awareness campaigns and lectures were conducted, and specialized personnel were trained in cooperation with the Civil Defense and the Saudi Red Crescent to ensure rapid emergency response, contributing to an 87% occupational health and safety level.
