Five Steps to Building a Strong HSE Culture in Saudi Arabia

Creating a healthy and safe work environment is paramount for any company. HSE has been gaining awareness across Saudi Arabia so we've put together everything you need to know about it, why it's important and how you can create a healthy HSE culture.

HSE stands for Health, Safety, and Environment. It’s a framework designed to protect people, workplaces, and the natural environment by managing risks and ensuring responsible practices.

For example, industries are required to follow national and international safety regulations, conduct risk assessments, and adopt environmentally responsible practices.

Beyond compliance, HSE also reflects cultural values, emphasising the protection of communities and stewardship of natural resources. In this way, HSE supports both economic development and the Kingdom’s vision for a safer, healthier future.

For companies based in Saudi Arabia, an HSE plan is especially critical given the Kingdom’s rapid industrial growth, ambitious infrastructure projects, and the strong emphasis on sustainability under Vision 2030.

The plan typically includes risk assessments, safety procedures, employee training programmes, waste management strategies, and emergency response protocols. In high-risk sectors like oil and gas, construction, and manufacturing, a robust HSE plan reduces accidents, prevents costly delays, and safeguards community wellbeing.

The importance of an HSE plan lies not only in meeting legal and regulatory obligations, such as those enforced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and environmental agencies, but also in aligning with the national commitment to sustainable development.

For Saudi organisations, building an HSE plan is about more than compliance. It is an investment in people, reputation, and sustainability. Industries that fail to prioritise HSE risk accidents, environmental harm, and reputational damage, all of which can delay projects and undermine profitability.

By contrast, companies that succeed in embedding HSE into their culture not only protect their workforce but also gain a competitive advantage, attracting international partners who value world-class safety and environmental practices.

As Saudi Arabia accelerates towards a diversified, knowledge-based economy, businesses that embrace strong HSE cultures will be well-positioned to thrive.

From mega-projects like NEOM to smaller local enterprises, a commitment to health, safety, and environment ensures that growth is both sustainable and socially responsible.

Here are five practical steps to help you build a healthy HSE management system.

Leadership commitment is the cornerstone of HSE culture. When executives and managers set the tone by actively prioritising safety and sustainability, it sends a powerful message throughout the organisation.

This could include visiting worksites, regularly communicating about safety goals, and allocating sufficient resources for training and equipment.

In Saudi Arabia, strong leadership in HSE also supports national priorities under Vision 2030, where workplace safety and environmental stewardship are viewed as essential to modernising industries and attracting international investment.

For example, oil and gas companies operating in the Kingdom often benchmark safety practices against global standards such as ISO 45001, showing that leadership buy-in directly influences operational excellence and reputation.

A healthy HSE culture requires employees at every level to understand their role in protecting themselves, their colleagues, and the environment. Training should not be limited to induction sessions; instead, it should be continuous and adapted to the evolving needs of the business.

In Saudi Arabia’s diverse workforce, this means offering bilingual programmes in Arabic and English to ensure inclusivity. For example, a construction firm may provide toolbox talks in both languages before every shift, reinforcing key safety messages while respecting cultural and linguistic diversity.

Beyond technical skills, awareness campaigns that emphasise the value of safety as a shared responsibility help employees internalise HSE principles as part of their daily mindset.

An HSE culture thrives when employees are empowered to take ownership. Companies should create systems that make it easy to report hazards, suggest improvements, and stop unsafe practices without fear of reprisal.

Employees should also be encouraged to obtain health and safety qualifications while working in Saudi Arabia.

Globally recognised qualifications such as the NEBOSH International General Certificate , can help them build a solid foundation for a career in health and safety. Managers should aim to gain such qualifications like IOSH Managing Safely, so they can effectively demonstrate their capabilities in assessing and managing risk and hazards.

Recognition programmes that reward proactive safety behaviours – such as reporting near misses or identifying environmental risks – help reinforce positive habits.

For instance, in manufacturing plants, introducing a “Safety Champion of the Month” award can encourage workers to actively contribute to safer operations. Involving employees in safety committees or inviting them to participate in risk assessments gives them a voice in shaping policies, which builds trust and accountability.

To truly embed a culture of health, safety, and environment, HSE must not be treated as a separate compliance box to tick. Instead, it should be woven into the organisation’s daily operations and decision-making.

This can take many forms: conducting routine site inspections, embedding environmental considerations into procurement decisions, or adopting technologies that reduce risks on construction sites.

For example, renewable energy projects in Saudi Arabia often use advanced monitoring systems to ensure that workers operate safely in extreme weather conditions. Integrating such measures into daily processes ensures that HSE becomes second nature, rather than an afterthought.

No HSE culture is complete without continuous improvement. Companies must regularly track performance against local regulations and international benchmarks, carry out audits, and review incident reports to identify lessons learned.

Transparent reporting – both internally and to stakeholders – helps build trust and demonstrates accountability.

In Saudi Arabia, where regulatory bodies are tightening oversight in line with Vision 2030, regular measurement is not just good practice but a necessity.

For example, oil and gas companies conduct detailed environmental impact assessments and publish sustainability reports that highlight their progress.

By adopting similar practices, businesses in all sectors can show commitment to resilience, safety, and long-term growth.

By leading from the top, investing in training, empowering employees, integrating safety into daily work, and continuously improving, businesses can create safer workplaces, protect the environment, and contribute to the Kingdom’s long-term vision.

If you’re looking for further information about HSE, get in contact.