The importance of proactive prevention in the workplace to prevent losses
Experts and leading figures have affirmed that awareness is the first line of defense against various occupational hazards, whether physical, chemical, or psychological. They pointed out that investing in proactive prevention in the workplace saves many times more than what might be spent later on addressing damages and accidents, making it an indispensable strategic choice for ensuring business continuity and protecting human resources.
The evolution of occupational health concepts and their global impact
These statements coincided with World Day for Safety and Health at Work, an annual event established by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2003. Historically, this day aims to highlight the importance of preventing occupational accidents and diseases globally and to promote a positive safety culture. The shift from simply reacting to accidents to adopting proactive strategies reflects a significant evolution in modern management thinking. At the local, regional, and international levels, this transformation contributes to reducing injury rates, which positively impacts the stability of national economies, ensures the uninterrupted continuity of supply and production chains, and enhances the reputation of institutions in global markets, attracting investment.
Efforts of the General Organization for Technical and Vocational Training
In this context, Reem Abdulaziz Al-Muqbil, Deputy Governor for Planning and Business Development at the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC), explained that large educational and training environments, such as schools, universities, and training workshops, face numerous occupational hazards. This reality necessitates the implementation of rigorous preventative measures. She indicated that the Corporation's leadership is fully aware of these risks, as it currently manages more than 70 operational medical clinics and has successfully achieved 100% compliance with occupational health and safety requirements across all its facilities. Random field visits continue to ensure the sustainability of these standards throughout the Kingdom.
Awareness campaigns to promote proactive prevention in the workplace
Al-Muqbil revealed detailed statistics reflecting the scale of awareness and training efforts implemented during 2025. Mental health promotion programs targeted over 200,000 trainees. Preventive measures against smoking and psychoactive substances were implemented through 580 programs, benefiting over 204,000 individuals. Regarding staff training, the organization provided its employees with over 400 training and guidance programs and conducted more than 1,400 awareness campaigns and lectures coinciding with major international days. As part of its emergency preparedness efforts, 44 safety supervisors were trained in coordination with the Civil Defense, and approximately 60 employees were trained in cooperation with the Saudi Red Crescent Authority to ensure rapid response.
The economic and psychological impact of adhering to safety standards
Regarding the economic and institutional impact, Al-Muqbil affirmed that these efforts contributed to stabilizing occupational health and safety standards across all the organization's facilities, reaching 87%. Furthermore, strict adherence to the requirements resulted in all facilities being free of the high-risk category (“Category F”). These efforts culminated in 11 training facilities receiving compliance certification for the “Muath” project, which focuses on enhancing emergency medical services. This support extends to psychological well-being and reducing burnout, aligning with the initiatives of the Human Capability Development Program to achieve the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
Shared responsibility is a fundamental pillar of sustainability
For his part, Dr. Mohammed bin Darwish Zamzami, an occupational health and safety consultant, affirmed that occupational safety is a strategic element reflecting the maturity of institutions. He pointed out that adherence to standards protects lives and directly impacts economic performance by reducing treatment and compensation costs. He explained that investing in prevention is among the most worthwhile investments, emphasizing the importance of employing modern technologies such as artificial intelligence to predict risks. In the same vein, Engineer Diaa Mohammed Malibari, a safety specialist, explained that occupational safety is a fundamental pillar of institutional sustainability. He stressed that disseminating this culture begins with senior management through clear policies that encourage risk reporting without fear, so that prevention becomes a way of life, not just a temporary measure.
