In Russia, a comprehensive framework of laws and regulations is in place to protect the health and safety of workers. This framework is primarily based on the Constitution of the Russian Federation (1993) and the Labour Code of the Russian Federation (2001).

Main Legal Framework

The Constitution of the Russian Federation establishes the foundation for health and safety legislation. Article 37 guarantees the right to "labor conditions meeting safety and hygiene requirements". Article 41 holds officials accountable for concealing threats to health and safety.

The Labour Code of the Russian Federation is the central law governing health and safety. It emphasizes the right to safe working conditions and mandates employers to provide them. The Code outlines the responsibilities of both employers and employees regarding safety protocols.

Specific Areas of Health and Safety

While the Labour Code provides a general framework, additional regulations address specific health and safety hazards:

• The Federal Act on Safe Handling of Pesticides and Agrochemicals regulates the safe use of these substances to protect workers in agriculture.
• The Federal Act on Radiation Safety of Population establishes safety measures for workers exposed to radiation.
• The Federal Act on Prevention of Spread in the Russian Federation of the Disease Caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV Infection) protects healthcare workers from exposure to HIV/AIDS.
• The Federal Act on Fire Safety sets fire safety standards for workplaces.

Enforcement and Penalties

The Code on Administrative Offences and The Penal Code of the Russian Federation outline penalties for violations of health and safety laws. These range from fines to criminal charges depending on the severity of the offense.

In Russia, occupational health and safety (OSH) is a priority, with a set of standards and practices in place to ensure safe and healthy working environments. These standards cover various aspects of workplace safety, as outlined by regulatory bodies and best practices.

Legal Mandates and Standards

Russian OSH standards are primarily established through federal legislation, such as the Labour Code and numerous federal acts. These laws define employer responsibilities, worker rights, and safety requirements for specific hazards. Additionally, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection issues Sanitary-Epidemiological Rules and Norms, which set out specific health and safety standards for various workplaces. These regulations address factors like noise levels, air quality, and permissible exposure limits for hazardous substances.

Core Practices and Risk Management

Employers in Russia are required to conduct risk assessments to identify potential hazards in their workplaces and implement preventative measures to mitigate these risks. They must also establish and enforce safe work procedures for various tasks and activities to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries. Furthermore, employers must provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to workers exposed to specific hazards, and ensure proper training on its use and maintenance.

Worker Training and Medical Surveillance

Russian law mandates that employees receive training on OSH procedures and regulations relevant to their specific job roles. Depending on the industry and potential health risks, workers may also be required to undergo regular medical examinations to monitor their health and identify any work-related health issues.

Additional Considerations

The law allows for authorized bodies to conduct inspections of workplaces to ensure compliance with OSH standards. Workers also have the right to participate in discussions and decision-making processes regarding OSH matters at their workplace. Adhering to best practices from international organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO) can further enhance OSH standards in Russia.

Workplace inspections are a key component in maintaining worker safety in Russia. The primary body responsible for conducting these inspections is the Federal Labour Inspectorate (Roskomnadzor), which operates under the authority of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. Other authorized bodies, such as the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Emergency Situations, may also be involved in inspections for specific issues.

Types of Inspections

Workplace inspections in Russia fall into two main categories:

• Planned Inspections: These are scheduled based on a pre-determined risk assessment plan. Workplaces in high-risk industries or with a history of violations are inspected more frequently.
• Unscheduled Inspections: These can be initiated by worker complaints, reports of accidents or injuries, or a trade union request.

Inspection Criteria and Procedures

During inspections, inspectors focus on compliance with the Labour Code and relevant safety regulations, the availability and adequacy of risk assessments, the implementation of safe work procedures, the provision and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), worker training on safety protocols, and the maintenance of a safe and healthy working environment.

The inspection process typically involves reviewing documentation, conducting a physical inspection of the workplace, and interviewing employees to gather firsthand information about working conditions and safety practices.

Frequency of Inspections

The frequency of planned inspections is determined by the level of risk associated with the industry and the workplace's history of violations. High-risk workplaces are generally inspected more frequently than low-risk ones.

Follow-up Actions

After an inspection, the inspector issues a report outlining their findings. If violations are identified, the employer is issued an enforcement order specifying the necessary corrective actions and a timeframe for compliance. Administrative penalties may also be imposed for serious violations.

Employers are legally obligated to address the identified issues and submit a report demonstrating their corrective actions to the inspectorate. In some cases, follow-up inspections may be conducted to verify that the necessary corrective actions have been implemented.

In Russia, there are established protocols for dealing with workplace accidents, which ensure proper reporting, investigation, and potential compensation for injured workers.

Reporting Requirements

Upon a workplace accident, the employer is legally obligated to take immediate action. This includes providing first aid to the injured worker and, if necessary, arranging for their transport to a medical facility. The employer must also notify various entities depending on the severity of the accident:

• The immediate supervisor or relevant work department must be informed promptly.
• The Federal Labour Inspectorate (Roskomnadzor) must be notified of all work-related accidents resulting in severe injuries, fatalities, or group accidents.
• The Social Insurance Fund, which manages social security benefits, must be notified of accidents resulting in injuries or occupational illnesses.
• If a trade union is present at the workplace, they should also be notified of the accident.

Investigation Process

The employer is responsible for conducting an internal investigation into the cause of the accident. This investigation should identify any safety lapses or violations that may have contributed to the incident. The Labour Inspectorate may also conduct its own investigation into serious accidents, especially those involving fatalities or multiple injuries. Following the investigation, a report outlining the cause of the accident and any corrective actions must be compiled and documented.

Compensation Claims

Employers are generally responsible for covering the medical expenses of workers injured in workplace accidents. The Social Insurance Fund provides temporary disability benefits to workers who are unable to work due to a work-related injury or illness. In cases of permanent disability caused by a workplace accident, the worker may be eligible for permanent disability benefits from the Social Insurance Fund. The amount of benefits is determined by the severity of the disability.

Additional Considerations

Workers may also have the right to pursue legal action against their employer for compensation for pain and suffering or lost wages due to the accident. This would typically involve filing a civil lawsuit. Workers' rights organizations and trade unions can offer guidance and support to workers navigating the workplace accident reporting and compensation process.