The procedure for conducting special assessments of working conditions in 2026

Special assessments of working conditions (SAWC) are conducted to identify negative production factors affecting personnel. Their goal is to ensure and maintain employee safety and comfort while performing their job duties. FSR, a company combining local and international expertise and knowledge, offers professional SAWC implementation in accordance with current Russian legislation.

Next, we will examine the SAWC procedure in 2026, including the simplified procedure, which small businesses engaged in certain types of activities, as regulated by Federal Law No. 426 of December 28, 2013, are eligible to adopt starting September 1, 2026.

When is a Special Assessment of Working Conditions required?

Current Russian legislation regulates the frequency of scheduled Special Assessment of Working Conditions (SAWC)—at least once every 5 years—at enterprises operating in various sectors. This is necessary to regularly update data on the status of workplaces and identify possible changes in influencing factors. Unscheduled SAWC assessments are conducted:

• in the event of changes in the technological process that affect working conditions;
• in the event of changes in the organizational structure—reorganization, staff reduction, changes in job responsibilities, etc.;
• After an industrial accident — to determine its causes and prevent recurrence;
• After accidents or incidents involving the release of hazardous substances — to prevent harm to employee health;
• When creating new or modifying existing workplaces;
• At the request of the labor safety inspectorate or other regulatory bodies conducting scheduled or unscheduled inspections;
• In the event of employee complaints about unsatisfactory working conditions in the workplace.

Scheduled and unscheduled special assessments of working conditions are a mandatory procedure aimed at protecting the health and safety of workers. It's best to entrust this to professionals, such as FSR, which has offices in various regions of the country.

Procedure for conducting a special assessment of working conditions in 2026: main stages

A special assessment of working conditions is conducted by organizations with the appropriate accreditation, such as FSRs with experience in occupational safety.

It begins with a briefing for employees participating in the assessment. This includes an explanation of the goals and objectives of the special assessment of working conditions, as well as a description of the methodology. This is followed by:

• Data collection. Review of documents—job descriptions, standards, regulations, etc.
• Work environment assessment. Assessment and measurement of physical, chemical, and biological factors (noise, light, vibration, high temperatures, exposure to toxic and hazardous substances).
• Identification and assessment of occupational risks. Determination of factors that pose the greatest threat to personnel health.
• Preparation of a report including the results of measurements and assessments, recommendations for improving occupational safety, and information on the measures taken.

Based on the results of the special assessment of working conditions, a program of measures to improve working conditions is developed, covering changes in the organization of the production process, the selection of personal protective equipment, etc.