Saudi Arabia — Construction HSE regulations
Capital Riyadh. Primary regulator: Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD).
Enforcing authorities
Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing
Building codes and construction permits
MOMRAH websiteKey legislation and codes
| Reference | Title | Year | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labour Law Royal Decree M/51 Key | Saudi Labour Law | 2005 | All private sector workers |
| Ministerial Decision 3337 Key | OSH Regulations for Workplaces | 2013 | All workplaces |
| GOSI Law Royal Decree M/22 Key | Social Insurance and Work Injury | 1969 | All registered employers |
| Saudi Building Code (SBC) | Saudi Building Code — Construction Standards | 2018 | All construction projects |
| Regulation on High-Risk Professions | Organising Work in High-Risk Professions | 2021 | High-risk construction roles |
| Saudi Aramco GI-2.100 | Work Permit System | 2022 | Saudi Aramco projects and contractors |
| Saudi Aramco GI-2.104 | Scaffolding Safety | 2022 | Saudi Aramco projects and contractors |
Construction requirements
Saudi construction sites are governed by the Saudi Building Code (SBC) and Ministerial Decision 3337. Working at height regulations align with OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M, requiring training, PPE, and PTW systems. Saudi Aramco's HSEMS and 12 Golden Rules are mandatory for all contractors on Aramco projects — covering work at height, confined space, isolation/LOTO, hot work, lifting, driving, dropped objects, electrical safety, H2S, and excavation. Mandatory PPE for all workers, site perimeter fencing, and bilingual (Arabic/English) safety signage are required. The Guidance Manual for Preventive Measures at Construction Sites provides detailed technical requirements.
Worker welfare
Mandatory heat work ban 12:00–15:00 from 15 June to 15 September. Employers must develop heat stress management plans including acclimatisation for new workers, hydration protocols, rest and shade, and emergency response. Plans must be documented in Arabic and communicated in workers' native languages. Maximum 48-hour workweek (40 hours during Ramadan). GOSI requires work injury reporting within 3 working days.
Penalties and enforcement
MHRSD fines for heat ban violations: SAR 10,000 per violation. GOSI fines from SAR 5,000 for failure to report work injuries within 3 working days. MHRSD can issue business closure orders for serious violations. Criminal proceedings possible for fatalities due to employer negligence.
International standards recognised
- ISO 45001
- OSHA 29 CFR 1926
- NFPA
- IBC (International Building Code)
- ACI 318
- AISC 360
Free zones and special jurisdictions
- NEOM
- King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC)
- Jubail Industrial City
- Yanbu Industrial City
- KIZAD