Can anyone refuse to work on the grounds of health and safety?

Answer 1

There is actually an OSHA regulation that says you can refuse to perform any task if you think it puts your health or safety in imminent danger, but there are rather strict criteria for this sort of complaint.

Of course, keep in mind that your employer can find legal ways to retaliate against you... everything from nit-picking at your job performance to drive you insane, changing your schedule/cutting your hours to drive you away, or assigning you boring/difficult tasks until you get fed up and quit.

Look up the OSHA regulations online for more information.

Safety first!

Answer 2

yes, this is most effective if you job has a union. If not contact your local E.E.O.C or O.S.H.A to report an unsafe act. You'll probably be terminated but if your case is strong enough you'll get your job back. In some states if an employee is still on probation the employer can terminate you for any reason so be care-full. You best course of action is to point out to your employer how this particular practice is unsafe and come up with a solution. This will go over HUGE, and instead of them seeing you as the trouble maker (and they will) they'll see you as their next potential manager.......Let It Marinate

Answer 3

Kind of! Current legislation in many countries places massive responsibilities on employers to provide a safe working environment. It also provides mechanisms for ensuring that this is done. Check out the local legislation (you will find it all on gov websites). So it's not so much about refusing to work, as being entitled to a safe working environment.

Answer 4

Dependent on what grounds an whether they fall into the correct catogory check the health and safety executive website X

Answer 5

Yes you can refuse, but you may have to fight for any wages you think you are owed. It's easier to find another job probably. The company can and will deny it is a hazardous job and has lawyers to represent them. It is illegal but you may find yourself blacklisted as a "trouble maker" Good luck. Even with a good union behind me and still working it took two years to get a $1200 medical bill paid. Guess who had to pay in the interim or get a lowered credit rating.

Answer 6

it depends on a few different factors,ie;if there was a risk assesment,if you know yourself thre is a risk to yourself or others,health and safety in the work place is yours and anyone who is working with you responsibility,if you knowingly carry on working when you know there is a health and safety issue,you could be breaking the law!

Answer 7

refuse to work period? or do a certain job? You can always tell your boss that it is unsafe. If he fires you, you can sue him if you think he did not provide a safe working environment. (at least I think; I am not an attorney, but I know employers have to provide acceptable working conditions).

Answer 8

Of course, unless you're a slave. Everything is dangerous, trying to get someone to work for you (be it a husband or the taxpayer) is the tricky part of not working and/or taking any risks.

Answer 9

if you think what you are being asked to do is unsafe, you should first ask to see a risk assessment. if one hasn't been done for the task then ask for one to be done. if you don't get any joy from the supervisor go to their manager. but never refuse to do a job as this could lead to being sacked for failure to carry out your duties.

Answer 10

Yes,
If your company refused to pay you you could take them to court and inspectors could come round if no changes were made