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In a significant move toward strengthening workforce safety and efficiency, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) in Saudi Arabia has announced plans to implement mandatory occupational fitness testing across all employment sectors—public, private, and non-profit. The regulation will also apply to individuals entering new jobs in any of these sectors. Learn more on Occupational Fitness Test in Saudi Arabia.
This comprehensive initiative is part of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to improve workplace health standards, align with global best practices, and minimize work-related accidents and occupational diseases.
Public Feedback Invited on Draft Regulation
The Ministry has released the draft National Regulations for Occupational Fitness Tests via the Istitlaa Public Survey platform to gather input from citizens, employees, employers, and other stakeholders before officially enforcing the regulation.
Types of Occupational Fitness Tests
The proposed regulation outlines three distinct types of medical evaluations:
- General Medical Testing
- Specialized Additional Testing
- Psychological Testing
These tests will assess both the physical and mental well-being of employees to ensure they are fit to perform their professional responsibilities without posing risks to themselves or others.
When Are These Tests Required?
The new testing framework is designed to cover a wide range of employment scenarios, including:
- Before appointment of new hires
- After workplace injuries
- Upon returning from long-term medical leave
- If doubts arise about an employee’s capability to perform their job
- In roles requiring routine medical evaluations
- When an employee’s job role changes
- Upon the introduction of new machinery or altered work environments
- During retirement if exposed to hazardous substances like asbestos
Importantly, the regulation excludes any medical examinations unrelated to job duties. Learn more on Occupational Fitness Test in Saudi Arabia with us.
Standardized Examination Procedures
To streamline and unify health assessments, the regulation mandates:
- Use of standardized medical forms
- Detailed classification of health risks by profession
- Clear guidelines for periodic and exceptional health evaluations
- Creation of a national health database for all workers
The goal is to ensure transparency, track employee health over time, and support compliance with Saudi and international occupational health standards.
Who Conducts the Medical Exams?
Only qualified professionals will be allowed to perform these tests. Occupational fitness assessments must be conducted by certified teams led by occupational medicine specialists accredited by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties and registered with the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health.
Employee Classification After Testing
Based on the outcome of the medical evaluation, employees will be classified into one of the following categories:
Medically Fit – Fully capable of carrying out job functions.
Medically Fit with Conditions – Fit under specific limitations or time-bound considerations.
Medically Unfit – Not fit for the job under current health status, even with restrictions.
If a current employee fails a fitness test, they will not be allowed to continue in the same role. Employers are then responsible for reassigning the employee to a suitable alternative position.
Right to Appeal Test Results
Employees have the right to appeal the results of their medical tests within 30 days of receiving the evaluation report. Upon appeal, an independent review committee made up of occupational health experts will examine the case and issue a decision within 15 days.
Conclusion
The introduction of Occupational Fitness Tests in Saudi Arabia marks a transformative shift in how employee health and workplace safety are managed. The move is expected to not only enhance productivity and job performance but also reduce workplace-related injuries and diseases across the Kingdom.
Looking to understand more about labor regulations in Saudi Arabia? Contact J K Management Consultancy for expert advisory and compliance services.
