Dynamics of decline in industrial injuries

Abstract

Introduction. The authors analyze the dynamics of decline in industrial injuries in 2000 to 2021. According to the Federal Service for Labor and Employment, accidents at work became more frequent in 2021 relative to 2020. In the processing industry, construction, transportation and storage sectors, the largest number of fatalities was registered in the workplace, reaching 52.2 % of the total number of all fatal accidents. The purpose of the work is to study the set of parameters, affecting the level of industrial injuries, and to identify the factors that contribute to reducing the number of violations of labor law requirements in occupational safety. Materials and methods. Provisions of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation and Federal Law “On Special Evaluation of Working Conditions” No. 426 dated December 28, 2013, which set the occupational safety requirements and the procedure for the special evaluation of working conditions, are the basis for verifying statistical data on industrial injuries. Results. Unsatisfactory production and workplace arrangements were the main causes of accidents in 2021 (31 % of the total number). 16 % of accidents, that involved grave consequences, occurred through the fault of employees (violation of work performance procedures and discipline of labor — 10 %, violations of the technology process — 6 %). More than 6,000 violations of the law were revealed as a result of a special evaluation of working conditions, and the total amount of charged penalties reached 2,641,900 rubles. Conclusions. The dynamics of decline in industrial injuries in Russia in the context of 2000–2021 has a positive trend, but it is irregular. There was a slight increase in the number of fatalities at industrial facilities in 2007, 2010 and 2021. The main reason for an increase in industrial injuries in 2021 was a ban imposed on scheduled inspections due to the coronavirus infection. To reduce industrial injuries, it is necessary to toughen penalties for violations by employers of the requirements of the labor legislation, including those regulating the special evaluation of working conditions.