RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has unveiled a new framework that will introduce occupational fitness evaluations and screenings for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among employees across the Kingdom through a phased implementation strategy, according to a guide reviewed by Okaz newspaper.

The program will be rolled out in three stages. It will initially target employees in government entities and non-profit organizations before gradually expanding to cover all professions and economic sectors nationwide. The implementation process will begin with pre-employment assessments, followed by screenings in high-risk establishments, and ultimately extend to all businesses and organizations.

During the first phase, job applicants will be required to undergo mandatory NCD screenings before starting employment. Employers must ensure that screening results are submitted to the approved electronic platform within six months of the regulations taking effect.

The second phase will commence after the completion of the first stage and will remain in effect for one year. During this period, screening requirements will be expanded to include existing employees, with priority given to workers in high-risk sectors. The phase will also focus on integrating all establishments into the designated electronic system.

In the final phase, the regulations will be applied across all sectors, organizations, and employees throughout the Kingdom. Government bodies and non-profit institutions will be required to comply with the regulations regardless of employment type or contractual arrangement. The requirements will cover permanent staff, temporary and seasonal workers, trainees, individuals with disabilities, and remote employees.

According to the guide, workers who do not meet the required occupational fitness standards will not be allowed to continue performing their current professional duties. Employers will be required to take appropriate steps to reassign such employees to suitable roles, while also providing opportunities for additional medical assessments to determine their ability to carry out job responsibilities.

Individuals completing hiring procedures will not be permitted to begin work until their examination results have been reviewed and approved by a qualified occupational medicine specialist. Assessments may also be required during employment in cases involving occupational injuries or illnesses, changes in job roles or work environments, or when periodic evaluations are necessary based on the nature of the profession.

The new framework aims to unify implementation procedures, strengthen compliance with regulatory standards, and enhance worker health and occupational safety through a comprehensive system of occupational fitness evaluations and non-communicable disease screenings.