Abstract

The study examines the social policy mechanisms aimed at protecting workers employed in hazardous and dangerous working conditions in Kazakhstan. Particular attention is paid to the effectiveness of the existing system of social guarantees and the prospects for its transformation in the context of modern labour protection standards. The relevance of the research is determined by the need to strengthen socially oriented approaches in occupational safety policy and to improve the protection of workers’ rights and well-being. The research methodology is based on a comprehensive analysis of labour legislation, regulatory documents, statistical data, and international practices in the field of occupational safety and social protection. The results demonstrate that the current list-based system of social guarantees does not fully reflect the real level of occupational risks and does not ensure equal access to protective mechanisms for all categories of workers. The study identifies institutional and legal barriers limiting the effectiveness of social guarantees, including fragmented regulation and insufficient incentives for employers to improve working conditions. Based on a comparative analysis of international approaches, the authors substantiate the importance of transitioning to a risk-oriented model focused on prevention, social justice, and the creation of safe and decent working conditions. The proposed recommendations are aimed at improving state social policy in the field of occupational safety and strengthening the system of social protection for workers in Kazakhstan.