Prevention of Major Industrial Accidents Convention, 1993 (No. 174) - Saudi Arabia (Ratification: 2001)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2024, published 113rd ILC session (2025)

In order to provide a comprehensive view of the issues relating to the application of ratified Conventions on occupational safety and health (OSH), the Committee considers it appropriate to examine Conventions Nos 120 (hygiene (commerce and offices)) and 174 (prevention of major industrial accidents) together.

Protection in specific branches of activity

Hygiene (Commerce and Offices) Convention, 1964 (No. 120)

Article 6 of the Convention. Inspection and statistics. Application in practice. In reply to Committee’s previous request, the Government indicates in its report that the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development carried out 782,401 inspection visits of commercial undertakings in 2022, during which period the total number of injuries reached 4,335. The Committee also notes that specific information on labour inspection activities in offices and commerce was provided under the 2019 labour inspection report, with respect to occupational accidents. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the application of the Convention in practice, including, where available, information on the inspection activities carried out, and the number, nature and causes of occupational accidents and diseases reported in trading establishments, institutions and administrative services in which the workers are mainly engaged in office work.

Article 6(2). Establishment of a system of sufficiently dissuasive penalties. The Committee notes the adoption of the Ministerial Decision No. 75913 on the schedule on violations and penalties of the labour law and its executive bylaw, ministerial decisions, and amendments made thereto, in 2023. The Committee understands that this decision supersedes the Schedule established by Ministerial Decision No. 92768 previously referred to by the Government and significantly reduces the fines applicable in the event of violation of labour law provisions, including on OSH. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the penalties for violation of OSH related obligations included in the Schedule and to indicate how it ensures a system of sufficiently dissuasive penalties, adequate to ensure the proper application of legislation. The Committee also refers to its comments made under Convention No. 81.

Article 13. Sufficient and suitable washing facilities and sanitary conveniences. The Government indicates that the Consolidated Regulation for the work environment in private sector establishments provides for the obligation of employers to provide separate water closets for women and men. The Committee notes that the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing supervises the issuing of municipal permits for activities of all types in accordance with the Ministerial Decision on “Office requirements” of 12 June 2022, which includes the requirements that need to be provided in offices of all types and obliges employers to provide a place for rest, a water closet, and at least one hand wash basin for men and women. Taking note of this information, the Committee requests the Government to indicate the specific provisions of the Ministerial Decision on “Office requirements” which ensures that sufficient sanitary conveniences are provided, made available for use and properly maintained in workplaces covered by the Convention.

Article 15. Suitable facilities for workers to change, leave and dry clothes. In reply to Committee’s previous request, the Government indicates that the owner of an undertaking shall provide rooms for changing clothes, as part of their obligation to observe the requirements related to the type of activity, issued by virtue of the decisions taken by the Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the specific provisions giving effect to Article 15 as well as to provide information on any other measures taken or envisage to ensure that, where necessary, suitable facilities for changing, leaving and drying clothing which is not worn at work are provided and properly maintained in workplaces covered by the Convention.

Article 18. Protection against noise and vibrations. In reply to the Committee’s previous request on measures taken or envisaged to reduce vibrations likely to have harmful effects on workers, the Government indicates that the requirements of OSH for workers in all areas include protection against the dangerous impact of exposure to vibrations when exposure exceeds a specific level. In this respect, it makes reference to the rules for safeguarding the recommended authorised limits for exposure to vibrations in the work environment issued by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization, indicating that they include the general requirements on vibrations and the specific requirements related to notification, maintenance, and inspection. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the mentioned rules and identify the provisions giving effect to Article 18 of the Convention.

Protection against specific risks

Prevention of Major Industrial Accidents Convention, 1993 (No. 174)

Articles 1, 3 and 5 of the Convention. Scope of application and definitions. System for the identification of major hazard installation. The Government indicates that the High Commission for Industrial Security (HCIS) completed a comprehensive update of the Safety and Fire Protection Directives for Industrial Facilities (SAFs) in 2017. In this context, the Government sought to expand the scope of supervision of the HCIS in several areas and sectors including the transport sector, such as railways, as well as the sector of military industries. In this respect, the Committee notes the detailed list of SAFs issued by the HCIS in 2017, as well as the regulations for industrial security (which cover areas of security, safety and fire protection) issued through decision of the Council of Ministers in the period 2018-2022. The Government indicates that the SAFs give effect to Article 3 of the Convention. Regarding the establishment of a system for the identification of major hazard installations, the Government indicates that the SAFs require employers to conduct detailed technical studies, prepared by qualified independent consultants, which address all types of emerging hazards and their management and prevention, enabling industrial installations to establish hazard registers managed according to national regulations. According to the Government, this system ensures full disclosure of major hazards by all installations and that appropriate measures are taken by stakeholders. The Committee notes that the Government refers to studies undertaken at the level of the establishment but does not indicate if the overall system for the identification of major hazard installations, based on a list of hazardous substances which contains specific thresholds, has been set up. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the referenced SAFs to enable it to evaluate the effect given to the provisions of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to clarify how these provisions cover all major hazard installations, as defined in Article 3 of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the specific provisions of national laws and regulations requiring the competent authority to establish, after consulting the most representative organizations of employers and workers and other interested parties who may be affected, a system for the identification of major hazard installations as defined in Article 3(c), based on a list of hazardous substances or of categories of hazardous substances or of both, together with their respective threshold quantities.

Article 4. Formulation, implementation and periodical review of a coherent national policy. The Government indicates that the update of the SAFs was completed by the HCIS in March 2017 with the participation of several major hazard installations, stakeholders and competent persons both inside and outside the labour system related to hazard installations. The Committee requests the Government to provide specific information on consultations held with the most representative organizations of employers and workers in the periodic review of the SAFs, as required by this Article of the Convention.

Article 6. Protection of confidential information. The Committee notes that with the update of SAF-02 in 2017, the section on the protection of trade secrets while ensuring access of workers to such information was maintained. Noting that the Government has not addressed the Committee’s previous request, the Committee requests once again the Government to indicate the manner in which risks to the public and the environment are taken into account in the context of protecting confidential information and to provide information on consultations held with the representative organizations of employers and workers concerned.

Article 8.Notification of any major hazard installation to the competent authority. The Government indicates that SAF-13, as updated in 2017, obliges installations falling under the scope of supervision of the HCIS, and whose resulting hazards have been analysed, to set down the requirements of safe work performance in accordance with work permits and to set down the necessary solutions for handling them. The Committee requeststhe Government to indicate the measures taken or envisaged to ensure that employers notify the competent authorities: (i) of any major hazard installation which they have identified within a fixed time frame for an existing installation and before it is put into operation in the case of a new installation (Article 8(1)(a) and (b) of the Convention); and (ii) before any permanent closure of a major hazard installation (Article 8(2) of the Convention).

Articles 11 and 12. Safety reports. In reply to the Committee’s previous request, the Government indicates that effect is given to Article 11(b) of the Convention through section 9.10 of SAF-09, as updated in 2017, according to which, the programme of the Department of Safety of Operations includes managing changes in operations and equipment, and using methods to detect any temporary changes, with the goal of maintaining and enforcing appropriate safety standards and regulations. With regards to communication of safety reports to the competent authority under Article 12 of the Convention, the Committee notes the Government’s indication that under section 8.3.3 of SAF-09, as updated in 2017, all reports and procedures of external and internal evaluation of the programme of safety of operations, and the recommendations which need to be taken, shall be made available to the HCIS. Furthermore, Order No. 707 taken by the Council of Ministers in 2022 specifies that all installations falling under the scope of supervision of the HCIS shall provide all the necessary documents, information, data and reports to the HCIS so as to carry out its mandate and duties and to enable it to undertake field surveys of all installations. Noting this information, the Committee requests the Government to indicate whether provision is also made to review safety reports at intervals prescribed by national laws or regulations (Article 11(c)) and at the request of the competent authority (Article 11(d)).

Articles 13 and 14. Accident reporting. The Government indicates that under section 11.2.2 of SAF-25, as updated in 2017, an employer is required to submit a report on investigation of major accidents to the HCIS for its examination, review, and its adoption. Moreover, an employer is also required to submit a report on remedial action taken with respect to the accident after the month of December of each year. The Committee recalls that under the terms of Article 13 of the Convention, major accidents shall be reported as soon as they occur so as to allow the competent authorities to take the necessary emergency and remedial actions. The Committee requests the Government to indicate how it ensures that employers have a duty to inform without delay the competent authorities of the occurrence of an accident.

Articles 15 and 16. Off-site emergency preparedness. The Government indicates that SAF-20, as updated in 2017, requires the employer to develop and implement plans before the onset of accidents, and to develop response plans to all emergency cases during their occurrence. The Committee notes that governmental and non-governmental bodies are notified of such plans through the installations’ industrial security departments which carry out several response simulations to emergencies with the participation of all relevant bodies. Under the national framework for risk management, the HCIS is represented in the executive committees of the National Risk Council related to the management of emergency cases at the national level. The Government indicates that SAF-02, as updated in 2017, includes a provision on community awareness and emergency response. Recalling that Article 15 refers to the obligation to ensure that emergency plans and procedures contain provisions for the protection of the public and the environment outside the site of each major hazard installation, the Committee requests the Government to indicate whether the National Risk Council is the competent authority in charge of off-site emergency preparedness according to Article 16 and provide more information in this respect.It requests the Government to provide a copy of the referenced SAFs and identify the provisions which give effect to Articles 15 and 16 of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken, in law and in practice, to ensure the dissemination of off-site preparedness by the competent authority as required under Article 16.

Articles 18(2) and 19. Right for representatives of employers and workers to accompany inspectors. Right for the competent authority to suspend activities posing a risk. The Government indicates that effect to these Articles is given through Order No. 707, according to which employees of the HCIS are endowed with high technical skills which enable them to carry out the duties of inspection, verification, investigation and evaluation of all installations in accordance with the mechanisms of operation of the HCIS. The Committee requests the Government to indicate measures taken to give effect to Article 18(2) as regards the right for representatives of employers and workers to accompany inspectors and Article 19 as regards the right for the competent authority to suspend activities posing a risk.

Articles 20 and 21. Rights and duties of workers and their representatives. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to section 9.1 of SAF-02, as updated in 2017, which provides for the participation of workers in the development and implementation of the safety process. SAF-02 also requires the provision of information and training to employees (sections 8.2.1, 9.2, and 9.5). The Government indicates that all installations under HCIS supervision must establish integrated installations’ industrial security departments, which are responsible for employee training, awareness, and monitoring compliance with safety measures, including emergency response training in coordination with the HCIS. These departments implement HCIS regulations, receive technical supervision and support by the HCIS, and report to the highest executive authority at the installation, as approved by HCIS. Noting that the Government has not provided information on the rights of workers’ representatives in particular, the Committee requests the Government to indicate measures taken to give effect to Article 20 as regards the rights of workers’ representatives. It also requests the Government to indicatewhether any provisions of the national legislation provide for the duties of workers as described in Article 21.

Article 22. Responsibility of exporting States. The Government indicates that prohibiting the use or export of technologies or processes that are potential sources of major accidents is regulated by integrated governmental regulations across numerous national bodies, in conformity with international Conventions. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the specific provisions of national laws and regulations which provide that when the use of hazardous substances, technologies or processes is prohibited as a potential source of a major accident, the information on this prohibition and the reasons for it is made available by the exporting State to any importing country.

Application of the Convention in practice. In reply to the Committee’s previous request, the Government indicates that the SAFs, along with other relevant national regulations, have significantly improved compliance with the Convention and have led to the development and updating of numerous programmes of the installations’ industrial security departments, reducing major industrial accidents, as well as to the establishment of necessary procedures in collaboration with various bodies and institutions. Inspection activities are conducted through periodic visits by specialized personnel from HCIS, as well as through experiments and simulations that mimic major hazards of the safety of operations at all major hazard installations. Additionally, the industrial security departments at installations play a crucial complementary role, guided by job descriptions from the HICS that cover security, safety, and fire protection. Taking note of the information on the general appreciation of the manner in which the Convention is applied in the country, the Committee requests the Government to supply statistical data concerning inspection visits conducted, the number and nature of infringements reported, and sanctions imposed.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

Articles 1 and 3 of the Convention. Scope of application and definitions. Further to its previous comment, the Committee takes note of the Safety and Fire Protection Directives for Industrial Facilities (SAFs) annexed to the Government’s report and in particular of SAF-01 on the application of SAFs which provides, in its section 1.1, that SAFs shall be applicable to all companies and establishments subject to the High Commission for Industrial Security (HCIS). In this connection, the Committee notes from the documents annexed to the Government’s report that the HCIS oversees 12 sectors (such as oil, petrochemical, chemical manufacturing, electricity, water, gas, mining, metal manufacturing, civil explosives, industrial services, communication and port industries). The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether these provisions cover all major hazard installations, as defined in Article 3 of the Convention.

Article 4. Formulation, implementation and periodical review of a coherent national policy. In its report, the Government indicates that in 2010, the SAFs have been updated by the HCIS, in collaboration with major industrial employers, taking into account the best available safety technology at the international level, and that the next review of SAFs is scheduled for 2015. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on consultations held with the most representative organizations of employers and workers, as required by this Article of the Convention.

Article 5. System for the identification of major hazard installation. Further to its previous comment, the Committee notes the Government’s reference to SAF-02 on Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Management which sets out a number of obligations for employers. The Committee notes that it is not clear from this information that a system for the identification of major hazard installations exists within the meaning of this Article. The Committee reminds the Government that Article 5 of the Convention provides that the competent authority or a body approved or recognized by the competent authority shall, after consulting the most representative organizations of employers and workers and other interested parties who may be affected, establish a system for the identification of major hazard installations as defined in Article 3(c). The Committee once again requests the Government to take the necessary measures to give full effect to this Article and to provide information in this regard.

Article 6. Protection of confidential information. The Committee notes that section 4.3.15 of SAF-02 provides for the protection of trade secrets while ensuring access of workers to such information. Provisions are also made to allow for the disclosure of confidential information to health professionals under specific conditions. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the manner in which risks to the public and the environment are taken into account in the application of this provision and to provide information on consultations held with the representative organizations of employers and workers concerned.

Articles 7 and 8. Identification and notification of hazardous installation. Article 9. Periodic testing and evaluation of site emergency plans. Articles 10, 11 and 12. Safety reports. Further to its previous comment, the Committee notes that SAF-02 gives effect to most of the requirements set out in Articles 7, 9, 10 and 11 of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to provide clarification on the manner in which effect is given, in law and in practice, to Article 8 (notification of any major hazard installation to the competent authority) and Article 12 (communication of safety reports to the competent authority). Noting that safety reports must be amended in the event of a modification in the installations, the Committee requests the Government to indicate whether provision is also made to review safety reports in other circumstances, as envisaged by Article 11(b)–(d).

Articles 13 and 14. Accident reporting. The Committee notes that under section 4.3.12 of SAF-02, employers are required to promptly investigate incidents which resulted or could have resulted in major accidents and review lessons learned with all the personnel concerned. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the provisions adopted to ensure that the investigation report is presented to the competent authority within a fixed time frame, containing an analysis of the causes of the accident and describing its immediate consequences as well as any action taken to mitigate its effect and recommendations to prevent recurrences, as required by Article 14 of the Convention.

Articles 15 and 16. Off-site emergency preparedness. Further to its previous comment, the Committee notes that SAF-02 and SAF-20, to which the Government refers, set out obligations for employers to establish emergency plans but do not provide for the elaboration of off-site emergency preparedness and its dissemination by the competent authority, as required by Articles 15 and 16. The Committee therefore requests the Government to provide information on the measures taken, in law and in practice, to give full effect to these Articles.

Articles 18 and 19. Inspection. The Committee notes that it is not clear from the texts provided by the Government how effect is given to these Articles of the Convention. The Committee accordingly requests the Government to provide detailed information in this regard.

Articles 20 and 21. Rights and duties of workers and their representatives. The Committee notes that SAF-02 provides, in its section 4.3.2, for the participation of workers in the development and implementation of the process safety management (PSM) and related hazards assessments. Under this regulation, employers are also required to inform and train their employees (sections 4.3.2, 4.3.3 and 4.3.6). The Committee requests the Government to indicate measures taken to give effect to Article 20 as regards the rights of workers’ representatives and to provide information on how effect is given, in law and in practice, to Article 21.

Article 22. Responsibility of exporting States. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that hazardous materials, the use of which is prohibited in the country, are not exported. The Committee requests the Government to indicate whether similar arrangements have been made as regards technologies or processes which are prohibited as a potential source of major accidents.

Application of the Convention in practice. The Committee notes the succinct information provided by the Government on investigations carried out by the HCIS in case of major accidents. The Committee again requests the Government to give a general appreciation of the manner in which the Convention is applied in the country and to supply statistical data concerning inspection visits conducted, the number and nature of infringements reported and sanctions imposed.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government including references to a series of “instructions and guidelines” on occupational safety and health such as the Safety Directives (SSDs) developed by the High Commission for Industrial Security (HCIS) – composed of Safety and Fire Protection Directives for Industrial Facilities (SAFs) and Security Directives for Industrial Facilities (SECs). The Committee also notes the list of “HCIS General Compliance References” in the report from the HCIS attached to the Government’s report and that this report includes references to numerous “codes and guidance” documents. The Committee notes, however, that the referenced documents were not attached to the report and that the Government does not provide further details regarding the status of these documents. The Committee welcomes the information that the Government is reviewing the need for further legislation in application of Section 131 of the Labour Code and that in this context the issues raised by the CEACR shall be taken into account. The Committee requests the Government to provide further information on the status of the referenced documents and to submit copies of the documents which the Government considers to be relevant for the application of the Convention. The Committee also requests the Government to keep it informed of any legislative changes and to provide copies of relevant laws and regulations once they have been adopted.

Article 1 of the Convention. Scope of application. The Committee notes that the Government refers to all the SAFs and SECs relevant for the application of this Convention but makes not further reference to the Regulations on occupational safety and health. The Committee notes, however, that without access to the texts of the SAFs and SECs referred to it is not possible to evaluate the effect given by these directives to this provision of the Convention. As stated above, the Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the referenced legislation to enable it to evaluate the effect given to these provisions of the Convention.

Article 4. Formulation, implementation and periodically review of a coherent national policy. The Committee notes that while the information provided is limited to a reference to the activities of the HCIS the Government indicates that with its next report it will provide further information on the application of the present article of the Convention. The Committee therefore reiterates its request to the Government to provide in its next report detailed information on the measures taken in this respect and communicate copy of the mentioned plans and list of classification of undertakings. It also requests the Government to provide information on measures taken to ensure that the most representative organisation of employers and workers and other interested parties are consulted on the formulation, implementation and periodical review of the coherent national policy concerning the protection of workers, the public and the environment against the risk of major accidents.

Article 5. A system for the identification of major hazard installation. The Committee notes the information that the identification and classification of the level of hazard posed by industries within the country is managed in several steps by the HCIS on the basis of the SAFs. It also notes that the SAFs and the SEC have been developed in cooperation with all the major industrial organization in the country and that they are reviewed regularly with world-wide experts to ensure that the industries in the country satisfy the most up-to-date requirements. While the referenced SAFs and SECs may serve the general purpose of ensuring safe operations of industrial facilities, the Committee would like to emphasize that the system referred to in Article 5 is intended to serve the specific purpose of identifying major hazard installations as defined in Article 3(c) of the Convention i.e. “one which produces, processes, handles, uses, disposes or stores, either permanently or temporarily one or more hazardous substances or categories or substances in quantities which exceed the threshold quantity.” The Committee would also like to draw the Government’s attention to the terms of Article 5(2) regarding the need to ensure that the system set up is regularly reviewed and updated. The Committee again invites the Government to provide it with further information on progress made in the implementation of this provision taking into account the requirement to hold consultations on these issues with the most representative organisation of employers and workers and other interested parties who may be affected.

Article 6. Protection of confidential information. The Committee notes the reference to MOI/MCIS SEC-12 Information Protection but that consultations are ongoing to formulate relevant regulations to implement this provision. The Committee would like to draw the Government’s attention to the fact that this Article regulates the balance to be struck between the need for disclosure of information regarding major industrial hazard installations in order to serve the preventive purposes of the Convention, and the need maintain the confidentiality of information whose disclosure would be liable to cause harm to an employer’s business, and that the representative organizations of employers and workers concerned are to take active part in this process. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the referenced legislation to enable it to evaluate the effect given to these provisions of the Convention. The Committee invites the Government to submit any new regulations once they have been adopted taking into account the requirement to hold consultations on these issues with the most representative organisation of employers and workers and other interested parties who may be affected.

Articles 7 and 8. Identification and notification of hazardous installation. Article 9. Periodic testing and evaluation of site emergency plans. Articles 10, 11 and 12. Safety reports. The Committee notes the information that industrial facilities are classified according to security and safety risk through provisions in the HCIS Security and Safety Directives and that the criteria for security classification are contained in SEC-01 Application of Security Directives. The requirements for safety and fire protection are contained in individual Directives in the HCIS Safety and Fire Protection Directives for Industrial facilities. This includes SAF-02, and SAF-06, involving process safety management, process hazard analyses, emergency planning, pre-incident planning and plant layout and spacing. On a country-wide level the Saudi Aramco Major Incident Recommendation (SAMIR) Committee investigates major accidents and recommends remedial actions. The facility where the accident occurred is required to respond in writing as to the status of all recommendations. The Committee notes, however, that without access to the texts of these directives, it is not possible to evaluate the effect given by these directives to this provision of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the referenced legislation to enable it to evaluate the effect given to the Article 7 and 8 of the Convention. The Committee also requests the Government to provide information on the effect given, in law and in practice, to Articles 9–12.

Articles 13 and 14. Accident reporting. The Committee notes the information that in case of a serious accident the central HCIS office assembles an investigation committee to investigate the event resulting in a report to the HCIS. It also notes the Government’s stated intention to review the activities of the investigation committees. In such a context the Committee would request the Government to take into account also the terms of Article 14(2) which require that the accident reports should include recommendations detailing actions to be taken to prevent a recurrence. The Committee requests the Government to provide, in its next report, information on the activities of the investigation committees in application of these provisions of the Convention and to submit to it a copy of any recommendations or reports prepared by such committees.

Articles 15 and 16. Off-site emergency preparedness. The Committee notes the reference made to HCIS SEC-1 Application of Security Directives; SAF-02 Environmental Health and Safety Management; and SAF-20 Pre-incident Planning and Management of Emergencies which reportedly give effect to these provisions. The Committee notes, however, that without access to the texts of these directives, it is not possible to evaluate the effect given by these directives to this provision of the Convention. As stated above, the Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the referenced legislation to enable it to evaluate the effect given to these provisions of the Convention.

Article 17. Siting of major hazard installations: The Committee notes the reference made to SEC-1 Application of Security Directives: SAF-2 Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Management; SAF -03 Plant Buildings, SAF-06 Plant Layout, Spacing, and Access; SAF -08 Storage Tanks and Storage Vessels; SAF -10 Pressure piping, Pressure Vessels & Transportations Pipelines; SAF 14, Safe Manufacture, Transportation, Storage and Use of Explosive Materials and Pyrotechnic Articles; and SAF-20 Pre-incident Planning and Management of Emergencies which reportedly give effect to this provision. The Committee notes, however, that without access to the texts of these directives, it is not possible to evaluate the effect given by these directives to this provision of the Convention. The Committee would like to recall that this provision of the Convention requires the adoption of a comprehensive siting policy arranging for appropriate separation of proposed major hazard installations from working and residential areas and public facilities, as well as for the taking of “appropriate measures” for existing installations. As stated above, the Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the referenced legislation to enable it to evaluate the effect given to these provisions of the Convention.

Articles 18 and 19. Inspection. Articles 20 and 21. Rights and duties of the workers and their representatives. The Committee notes the reference made to HCIS SEC-1 Application of Security Directives; SAF-02 Environmental Health and Safety Management; and SAF-20 Pre-incident Planning and Management of Emergencies which reportedly give effect to these provisions. The Committee notes, however, that without access to the texts of these directives, it is not possible to evaluate the effect given by these directives to this provision of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the referenced legislation to enable it to evaluate the effect given to these provisions of the Convention.

Article 22. Responsibility of exporting states: The Committee notes the reference made to the International Code for the Security of Ships and Port Facilities, the Safety of Life at Sea Convention and to the SAF-02 Environmental Health and Safety Management. The Committee requests the Government to provide further detailed information on the relevance to the referenced documents and to provide copies of any relevant instruments giving effect to this provision of the Convention.

Part V of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee requests the Government to give a general appreciation of the manner in which the Convention is applied in the country and supply extracts from inspection reports and information on the number and nature of infringements reported as well as on the application in practice of the SAMIR Committee.

Technical assistance. The Committee notes the information that the Government is currently examining the possibility of soliciting ILO technical assistance in order to clarify different issues to ensure compliance with the present Convention. The Committee requests the Government to communicate its decision in this respect to the Office.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report on legislative changes adopted, including the adoption of a revised Labour Code (Royal Decree No. M/51) of 26 September 2005, Ministerial Order No. 435 of 4/11 1404 H determining the occupations and types of employment in which workers are exposed to lead poisoning and the means which employers should take to protect their workers and Ministerial Order No. 404 of 17/6/1394 H respecting first aid at workplaces. The Committee notes that section 131 of the Labour Code provides that the Minister shall issue regulations and decisions embodying the necessary arrangements at the level of the undertaking for protection against major hazards, the related duties of the employers, the arrangements for protecting the public and the environment outside the site of each high-risk firm, the worker’s rights and duties, and other measures necessary to prevent major accidents, minimize the risks of their occurrence and mitigate their impact. The Committee expresses the firm hope that the abovementioned regulations and decisions will soon be adopted and requests the Government to submit copies of all relevant laws and regulations giving effect to the Convention. In the context of the legislative review to be undertaken in application of section 131 of the Labour Code, the Committee requests the Government also to take into account the issues raised by the Committee in its previous comments which, in relevant part, read as follows:

Article 4. Formulation, implementation and periodic review of a coherent national policy. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that the Secretariat of the Higher Authority for Industrial Safety is in charge of the formulation, in collaboration with relevant government institutions, of integrated plans for the protection of workers, the public and the environment against major industrial hazards, and to participate in their review and implementation. According to the report, the said Authority is also responsible for classifying undertakings and in this context major hazard installations are given special importance. The Ministry of Trade and Industry monitors factories in order to ensure observance of the regulations. The Committee requests the Government to provide in its next report detailed information on the measures taken in this respect and to communicate copies of the mentioned plans and the list of classification of undertakings. It also requests the Government to provide information on measures taken to ensure that the most representative organization of employers and workers and other interested parties are consulted on the formulation, implementation and periodical review of the coherent national policy concerning the protection of workers, the public and the environment against the risk of major accidents.

Article 5. A system for the identification of major hazard installations. The Government indicates in its report that there are no special regulations on the identification of major hazard installations but that the Government is considering the setting up of a system in this regard and that a committee has been set up to prepare a framework for the identification of activities which are hazardous or dangerous. The Committee invites the Government to provide it with further information on progress made in this respect taking into account the requirement to hold consultations on these issues with the most representative organization of employers and workers and other interested parties who may be affected.

Article 6. Protection of confidential information. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that the Secretariat of the Higher Authority for Industrial Safety is in the position to protect confidential information and that regulations regarding the requirements related to the handling of classified information is being developed. The Committee invites the Government to submit these new regulations once they have been adopted taking into account the requirement to hold consultations on these issues with the most representative organization of employers and workers and other interested parties who may be affected.

Articles 7 and 8. Identification and notification of hazardous installation. Article 9. Periodic testing and evaluation of site emergency plans. Articles 10, 11 and 12. Safety reports. The Committee notes that the report is silent as regards the application of the provisions in these Articles of the Convention. The Committee hopes that the next report will contain information on measures taken or envisaged to give effect to these provisions.

Articles 13 and 14. Accident reporting. The Committee notes the information in the report that all undertakings are required immediately to notify the competent authority on any accidents that occur therein. The Committee requests the Government to provide, in its next report, information on the activities of the investigation committees in application of these provisions of the Convention and to submit to it a copy of any recommendations or reports prepared by such committees.

Articles 15 and 16. Off-site emergency preparedness. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government concerning the practical measures to ensure application of these provisions of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the legislative measures taken or envisaged to give effect to these provisions of the Convention.

Article 17. Siting of major hazard installations. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government concerning the practical measures to ensure application of this provision of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the legislative measures taken or envisaged to give effect to this provision of the Convention.

Articles 18 and 19. Inspection and Part V of the report form. The Committee notes the information concerning inspections performed by the Secretariat of the Higher Authority for Industrial Safety and the General Directorate for Civil Defence. It requests the Government to provide more detailed information in this respect including copies of the relevant inspection reports and to indicate measures taken or envisaged to give effect to Article 19 of the Convention concerning the right of the competent authority to suspend any operation which poses an imminent threat of a major accident.

Articles 20 and 21. Rights and duties of the workers and their representatives. The Committee notes the information provided concerning the consultation mechanisms with the workers as well as the reference to a specific Order No. 12 providing for the setting up of committees in charge of consultation with workers and employers. The Committee requests the Government to provide, in its next report, further information on the role of the consultation committees and to submit a copy of the relevant legal provisions giving effect to these Articles of the Convention.

Article 22. Responsibility of exporting States. The Committee notes that the report is silent as regards the application of this Article of the Convention. The Committee hopes that the next report will contain information on measures taken or envisaged to give effect to the provisions concerning the manner in which Saudi Arabia, as an exporting State, ensures that information concerning prohibitions regarding the use of hazardous substances, technologies and processes as a potential source of a major accident are made available to any importing country.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

1. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in its report. Based on available information it appears that the national legislation only ensures partial conformity with the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to provide, in its next report, the information on the following points.

2. Article 1 of the Convention. Scope of application. The Government cites the regulations on occupational safety and health among the provisions that give effect to the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to communicate in its next report a copy of these regulations as well as copies of decisions taken by the Minister of Labour pursuant to articles 130 and 134 of the Labour Code.

3. Article 4. Formulation, implementation and periodical review of a coherent national policy. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that the secretariat of the Higher Authority for Industrial Safety is in charge of the formulation, in collaboration with relevant government institutions, of integrated plans for the protection of workers, the public and the environment against major industrial hazards, and to participate in their review and implementation. According to the report, the said Authority is also responsible for classifying undertakings and, in this context, major hazard installations are given special importance. The Ministry of Trade and Industry monitors factories in order to ensure observance of the regulations. The Committee requests the Government to provide in its next report detailed information on the measures taken in this respect and to communicate copies of the mentioned plans and the list of classification of undertakings. It also requests the Government to provide information on measures taken to ensure that the most representative organizations of employers and workers and other interested parties are consulted on the formulation, implementation and periodical review of the coherent national policy concerning the protection of workers, the public and the environment against the risk of major accidents.

4. Article 5. A system for the identification of major hazard installations. The Government indicates in its report that there are no special regulations on the identification of major hazard installations but that the Government is considering the setting up of a system in this regard and that a committee has been set up to prepare a framework for the identification of activities which are hazardous or dangerous. The Committee invites the Government to provide it with further information on progress made in this respect taking into account the requirement to hold consultations on these issues with the most representative organizations of employers and workers and other interested parties who may be affected.

5. Article 6. Protection of confidential information. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government that the secretariat of the Higher Authority for Industrial Safety is in a position to protect confidential information and that regulations regarding the requirements related to the handling of classified information are being developed. The Committee invites the Government to submit these new regulations once they have been adopted taking into account the requirement to hold consultations on these issues with the most representative organizations of employers and workers and other interested parties who may be affected.

6. Articles 7 and 8. Identification and notification of hazardous installation. Article 9. Periodic testing and evaluation of site emergency plans. Articles 10, 11 and 12. Safety reports. The Committee notes that the report is silent as regards the application of the provisions in these Articles of the Convention. The Committee hopes that the next report will contain information on measures taken or envisaged to give effect to these provisions.

7. Articles 13 and 14. Accident reporting. The Committee notes the information in the report that all undertakings are required immediately to notify the competent authority on any accidents that occur therein. The Committee requests the Government to provide, in its next report, information on the activities of the investigation committees in application of these provisions of the Convention and to submit to it a copy of any recommendations or reports prepared by such committees.

8. Articles 15 and 16. Off-site emergency preparedness. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government concerning the practical measures to ensure application of these provisions of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the legislative measures taken or envisaged to give effect to these provisions of the Convention.

9. Article 17. Siting of major hazard installations. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government concerning the practical measures to ensure application of these provisions of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the legislative measures taken or envisaged to give effect to these provisions of the Convention.

10. Articles 18 and 19. Inspection and Part V of the report form. The Committee notes the information concerning inspections performed by the secretariat of the Higher Authority for Industrial Safety and the General Directorate for Civil Defence. It requests the Government to provide more detailed information in this respect including copies of the relevant inspection reports and to indicate measures taken or envisaged to give effect to Article 19 of the Convention concerning the right of the competent authority to suspend any operation which poses an imminent threat of a major accident.

11. Articles 20 and 21. Rights and duties of the workers and their representatives. The Committee notes the information provided concerning the consultation mechanisms with the workers as well as the reference to a specific Order No. 12 providing for the setting up of committees in charge of consultation with workers and employers. The Committee requests the Government to provide, in its next report, further information on the role of these consultation committees and to submit a copy of the relevant legal provisions giving effect to these Articles of the Convention.

12. Article 22. Responsibility of exporting States. The Committee notes that the report is silent as regards the application of this Article of the Convention. The Committee hopes that the next report will contain information concerning the manner in which it is ensured that Saudi Arabia, as an exporting State, ensures that information concerning prohibitions regarding the use of hazardous substances, technologies and processes as a potential source of a major accident is made available to any importing country.