RESUMEN
Occupational health and safety in Russia has a long history, starting in 1866. Preventive and curative services are offered all over the country. Due to rapid, intense, and deep political changes, social and economic reforms led to democracy and a market economy. During this transition in the 1990s, the rate of industrial growth was negative, and the overall health of the working population decreased significantly. Although the economy began to recover, many workers are still exposed to occupational hazards at levels that exceed strict hygienic standards. Occupational health and safety practice has been adjusted to the new social economic system, but to be efficient, it needs essential restructuring, with special attention to health protection, health promotion, and prevention of injuries and diseases.