Saudi Arabia to introduce new mandatory test for employees
This could apply to you…
Saudi Arabia is planning to introduce new mandatory occupational fitness tests for employees across the country in government, private and non-profit sectors. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) in Saudi Arabia is gathering feedback from the public and stakeholders before enforcing this decision and recently published the National Regulations for Occupational Fitness Tests on the Istitlaa Public Survey platform, as reported by Gulf Business.
There will be three types of tests for employees: general medical testing, specialised additional testing, and psychological testing. Employees have the right to object to test results within 30 days and its framework aligns with international best practices.
The employee tests seeks to reduce work-related accidents and diseases and improve workplace environments in Saudi Arabia in general.
According to Gulf Business, the Saudi Arabia employee test regulations apply to all employees in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. This includes:
- New hires
- Current employees under specific conditions, including:
- 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