As a contractor in Saudi Arabia, it is essential to understand and adhere to the medical care requirements set forth by the Saudi Arabian Government Ministry of Health (MOH) and Saudi Arabian labor law, GI 150.002, and the SA Minimum Medical Standards Requirements (MMSR) Manual. Providing medical care to employees is not only a legal obligation, but it is also a crucial aspect of maintaining a safe and healthy workplace.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the requirements for medical care for employees as outlined in the MMSR manual.
First Aid, Urgent, and Emergency Care It is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure that all employees have access to first aid, urgent care, and emergency care services in the event of a medical emergency. The contractor must be equipped to handle emergency situations, such as stabilizing and transferring patients to a hospital for further treatment.
Inpatient/Outpatient Hospitalization In some cases, employees may require inpatient or outpatient hospitalization for further medical treatment. The contractor must be prepared to provide or arrange for these services in accordance with the MMSR manual and labor laws.
Emergency and Disaster Response In emergency or disaster situations, the contractor must have a plan in place to respond effectively and provide medical care to employees. This includes having the necessary equipment and resources to handle such situations and ensuring that employees are trained in emergency response procedures.
In conclusion, providing medical care to employees is an essential aspect of maintaining a safe and healthy workplace in Saudi Arabia. Contractors must be familiar with the requirements outlined in the MMSR manual, and other relevant laws and regulations, to ensure that they are fully compliant. By doing so, contractors can protect their employees, avoid legal penalties, and promote a positive workplace culture.
The Importance of First Aid at the Work Site
A. The Importance of First Aid First aid is a crucial component in the medical care of personnel at the work site. It is the immediate help provided to injured or seriously ill individuals before the arrival of professional medical assistance. Contractors are required to provide first aid services in compliance with the minimum requirements specified by the Saudi Arabian Government Ministry of Health (MOH) and Saudi Arabian labor law, GI 150.002, and the SA Minimum Medical Standards Requirements (MMSR) Manual.
B. First Aid Supplies Contractor is responsible for providing and maintaining adequate first aid supplies at all work locations. If fewer than 50 people are at a work site, a minimum of one 10-unit first aid kit/cabinet is required, while a minimum of one 36-unit first aid kit/cabinet is required if 50 people or more are at a work site. If work is carried out at locations more than 300 meters apart, separate first aid kits/cabinets must be provided. The contractor shall assign first aid attendants to be responsible for each first aid kit/cabinet and ensure sufficient stock of supplies at all times.
C. First Aid Personnel Contractor shall provide an adequate number of personnel trained in first aid and basic life support (BLS) at each work site, including those in charge of first aid supplies. Additionally, one four-wheel drive vehicle equipped with a well-stocked first aid kit shall be available for personnel performing pipeline or powerline work or who are working in remote areas. A minimum of one person in each remote area crew must have a valid first aid/BLS certificate.
D. Logbook and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) A medical logbook shall be maintained at each first aid station by the first aid attendant, who shall log all injuries/illnesses treated. Contractor is also responsible for providing Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and ensuring an adequate number of personnel are trained in AED operation.
In conclusion, first aid is a crucial component of medical care at the work site. Contractors have a responsibility to provide first aid supplies, trained personnel, and necessary equipment to ensure the well-being of personnel in case of injury or illness.
Work site medical facilities (clinics) are essential for ensuring the health and safety of workers on job sites. The requirement for work site medical facilities is specified in the MMSR manual, which outlines the criteria for the establishment, supply, staffing, and operation of these facilities.
Contractual Requirements
Contractors employing more than fifty total people for a given project, including personnel employed by the contractor’s subcontractors, must contract with a South African (SA) medical designated facility (MDF) or other medical facility recommended by the SA Medical Services Organization (SAMSO) to provide work site medical facilities.
Types of Work Site Medical Facilities
The MMSR manual defines three categories of work site medical facilities: Category A (Physician operated – Large), Category B (Physician operated – Small), and Category C (Nurse operated).
Determining the Category of a Work Site Medical Facility
The category of a work site medical facility is determined by the Initial Category/Level Evaluation Form in the MMSR manual. This form takes into account the number of personnel at the work site, the remoteness of the site and access to definitive medical care, the potential risk factors at the work location, and any specialized services required.
Exemption for Non-Construction Contractor Offices
In some cases, a non-construction contractor may not be required to provide a work site medical facility for office personnel. This may be approved in writing by the SAPO if the contractor has contractually arranged for emergency response and medical care with a nearby hospital that is operational 24/7 and capable of responding to the office building within ten minutes of travel time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, work site medical facilities play a crucial role in ensuring the health and safety of workers on job sites. Contractors employing more than fifty people must contract with a SA medical designated facility or another recommended medical facility to provide these services. The category of the work site medical facility is determined by the Initial Category/Level Evaluation Form, which considers factors such as the number of personnel, remoteness, potential risk factors, and specialized services required. In some cases, non-construction contractors may be exempt from providing work site medical facilities for office personnel.
Work Site Medical Facilities Requirements
Introduction
As per the regulations set by the Medical Services Organization (SAMSO), contractors employing more than 50 people on a project, including subcontractors, must establish, supply, staff and operate one or more work site medical facilities (clinics). These clinics are categorized as Category A, B or C, based on factors such as the number of personnel, remoteness of the work site, potential risk factors, and specialized services required.
Building Requirements
The work site medical facilities (clinics) must be fully established and operational before work begins and must comply with the building specifications in the MMSR manual. The floor plan and specifications of the clinic must be submitted to the SAPO and approved by SAMSO prior to use. The building must have the capability to provide first aid, urgent care, resuscitation care and stabilize patients for prompt transfer to the nearest hospital.
Emergency Response Plan
Each clinic must have an emergency response plan (ERP) detailing the response capabilities specific to the geographical location. A medical emergency and disaster call-out list must be posted in the clinic, and at least one emergency response bag must be available as specified in the MMSR manual.
Medical Services and Support
The contracted medical facility must provide all medical services required to operate the work site medical facility in accordance with the MMSR manual. This includes clinic supervision, medical referral and consultation, pharmaceutical services, medical equipment and maintenance, medical transportation, emergency/disaster response planning and training, healthcare policies and procedures, and other general and technical medical support services. The contractor must also arrange for medical training for its employees.
Inspections and Audits
The contractor must make arrangements to have each work site medical facility (clinic) independently inspected/audited prior to startup and at least semi-annually thereafter. The inspections/audits must be performed by medically qualified personnel from the contracted medical facility, but not personnel who staff the specific work site medical facility being inspected/audited.
Conclusion
The work site medical facilities (clinics) are a crucial aspect of workplace safety, providing essential medical services and support for the workers. The regulations set by the SAMSO ensure that these clinics are established and operated in compliance with the MMSR manual, providing the highest standard of medical care for the workers in case of an emergency.
Inspections and Audits of Work Site Medical Facilities
The work site medical facilities (clinics) are required to meet certain standards to ensure that employees have access to quality healthcare services. As part of this requirement, the clinics must undergo regular inspections and audits.
Inspection Process The inspections/audits shall use the Survey and Compliance Review Report from the MMSR manual, including during initial setup of a medical facility (clinic). The clinical and technical parts of the survey will be conducted by medically qualified personnel, who are not part of the staff of the work site medical facility being inspected/audited.
Scope of Inspection The inspections shall cover all aspects of healthcare services at the work site medical facility (clinic), including:
- General health care requirements
- Building specifications
- Manpower requirements
- Staff qualifications, training and continuing education
- Safety, environmental, health and infection control requirements
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Pharmaceutical services
- Support services (communications, ambulance and janitorial services)
- Medical emergency and disaster response procedures and Medevac procedures
- Health care policies, procedures and scope of service
- First aid kit and cabinets, including an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
Responsibility for Correcting Deficiencies The contractor is responsible for promptly correcting all deficiencies or violations identified by the inspections/audits. Work site medical facilities (clinics) are also subject to inspection by SA and the contractor is responsible for promptly correcting any deficiencies or violations identified by SA.
Pharmaceutical Services Contractor must ensure that drug formulary, prescription, supplies, storage, administration, and dispensing are under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist or physician from the contracted medical facility used for its work site medical facilities (clinics).
Support Services Contractor must have or arrange for the necessary support services required to comply with the requirements in the MMSR manual, including safety, environmental health and infection control, equipment management, janitorial services, and communication services.
Medical Professional Personnel: Ensuring Qualified and Experienced Staff at Work Site Clinics
The health and well-being of employees working on a site is a top priority. To ensure the highest level of medical care is provided, contractors must contract with a medical facility or a Medical Director Facility (MDF) contracted by the Saudi Arabian Government (SA) to provide qualified medical professional personnel for work site clinics. In this article, we will discuss the requirements for medical professional personnel, their qualifications, and the arrangements made for their coverage and training.
Licensing Requirements for Medical Professional Personnel
The medical professional personnel, including physicians and nurses, must meet the licensing requirements set by the Ministry of Health’s Saudi Council for Health Specialties (SCFHS). They must also possess the necessary experience, training, and certifications specified in the Medical Management Support Requirements (MMSR) manual. The names and qualifications of the medical personnel to be employed at a clinic must be submitted to the SAPO for review before work begins.
Arrangements for Emergency Coverage
The contractor must have arrangements in place with the contracted MDF or medical facility to provide medical professional personnel coverage for unplanned events such as emergencies, holidays, sickness, off-duties, and absences.
Continuing Education for Medical Personnel
The medical professional personnel must receive periodic mandatory and continuing education from their employer as required by the Ministry of Health. This education must include, but not be limited to, first aid/BLS, safety, and infection control, heat stress, fire, and disaster training.
Consultation Services
To ensure that medical advice, prescriptions, referrals, and transfers of patients can be done efficiently, the contractor must make arrangements with a contracted MDF or hospital for consultation services. A qualified physician, either a specialist or general practitioner, must be available 24/7 for medical advice and support.
Disaster Training
All medical professional personnel must receive disaster training at least annually. This training must include the application of the commonly used triage system in disaster management, communication strategies, and participation in at least two disaster drills per year.
In conclusion, by ensuring that medical professional personnel at work site clinics meet the necessary qualifications and requirements, contractors can guarantee that employees receive the highest level of medical care. By providing them with the necessary training, emergency coverage, and consultation services, contractors can ensure that medical personnel are prepared to handle any situation that may arise.
Medical Insurance and Ambulance Requirements for Contractors
Ensuring Employee Health Coverage A. It is mandatory for contractors to provide continuous medical health insurance coverage for all their employees, including subcontractor employees, before they enter the work site. This insurance coverage should include outpatient, first aid, emergency, specialist and inpatient care at a nearby hospital that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Contractors must submit proof of medical health insurance coverage to the SAPO (Saudi Arabian Project Office) on a monthly basis and upon request.
Providing a Dedicated Ambulance B. Each work site must have a dedicated full-size emergency vehicle (ambulance) to transport injured or ill personnel to the nearest hospital. In case the work location is off-road, a four-wheel drive ambulance must be provided.
Ambulance Maintenance and Equipment C. Ambulances must comply with the vehicle specifications in the MMSR (Medical Management and Support Requirements) manual, and must be maintained in a safe, clean, sanitary, and roadworthy condition as per Saudi Arabian Government regulations and SA (Saudi Arabian) vehicle requirements. The ambulance must be parked in a dedicated shaded space.
D. Ambulances must be marked for emergency purposes and must be equipped with at least the minimum emergency and resuscitation supplies as specified in the MMSR manual. A daily ambulance log and a preventive maintenance worksheet must be maintained.
Ambulance Driver Training and Qualification E. Contractors must provide ambulance drivers with first aid/BLS (Basic Life Support) training, site orientation, and medical facility location training.
F. Ambulance drivers must be qualified as per the MMSR manual and must have a valid Saudi Arabian Government driving license.
In conclusion, contractors must ensure their employees have continuous medical health insurance coverage and provide a dedicated ambulance with the necessary maintenance and equipment, as well as trained and qualified drivers to ensure the safety and well-being of all personnel in the work site.