The article considers corporate social responsibility as an instrument of sustainable development. The authors disclose the concept of corporate social responsibility, describe in detail its main areas. The main causes of accidents at work are analyzed, with statistics on the emerging downward trend of victims. Particular attention is paid to the legislation of the Russian Federation, which is in the process of forming certain directions of sustainable development. The problem of discrimination against the rights of workers is revealed and a comprehensive approach is proposed to address this issue. Finally, the conclusion that sustainable development is directly dependent on corporate social responsibility is justified.