Assuring a Safe and Healthy Workplace

Workers have the right to refuse hazardous work. This right is not free of stipulations. Workers must ensure that three criteria are met  

Workers have a reasonable belief, based on what they know at the time, that there is a real likelihood they could be killed or suffer serious injury (imminent danger). 

When the employer or supervisor has been asked to eliminate the danger and does not take action, the worker should ask for another assignment while the previous one is made safe. The worker should not return to the jobsite unless ordered to do so. 

If the employer does not respond, workers should call the nearest OSHA office to explain the circumstances. If OSHA cannot respond in a timely manner, because of time constraints, the worker has no other alternative but to refuse the work. 

Workers have the right to receive the results of any OSHA test for vapors, noise, dusts, mists, fumes, radiation, etc. This includes observation of any measurement of hazardous materials in the workplace. If the hazards of the workplace are such that PPE is required for workers, workers are to be provided, at no cost, proper and well-maintained PPE appropriate for the job. 

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Together, and through cooperation, all parties can assure a safe and healthy workplace by following good safety and health practices for that specific workplace. A safe and healthy home away from home is, and should be, the ultimate goal. 

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