At Gama Safety, we believe every worker has the right to a healthy and safe workplace. This includes the right to know about workplace hazards, to participate in safety activities, and to refuse work that you believe could pose a risk to your health or the health of others.

If your supervisor or employer asks you to perform a task, operate equipment, or use tools, and you have reasonable grounds to believe it creates an undue hazard, you have both the right and the responsibility to refuse the work. This process ensures that unsafe conditions are addressed before they cause harm.

Before exercising your right to refuse, follow established workplace hazard reporting procedures, such as informing your supervisor. If those procedures do not resolve the issue, you may proceed with the refusal process outlined below.

Step 1

Worker: Stop the unsafe work immediately and report the unsafe condition (task, tool, or equipment) to your supervisor or employer.

Supervisor or Employer: Investigate the reported condition and fix it if possible. If they disagree that it is unsafe, they must explain their reasons to you. If both parties cannot agree on a resolution, move to Step 2.

If the work can be done by another worker while the issue is unresolved, that worker must be informed in writing about the refusal, the reason it is believed unsafe, and their own right to refuse.

Step 2

If the matter is unresolved, you and your supervisor/employer must investigate together in the presence of one of the following:

• A worker representative from the joint health and safety committee or a worker health and safety representative.
• A worker chosen by your union.
• Another worker chosen by you.

If there is still no agreement on how to address the unsafe condition, proceed to Step 3.

Step 3

Both you and your supervisor or employer must contact Gama Safety immediately so our safety team can review the situation and provide guidance. Our experienced safety advisors will investigate the issue, determine corrective actions, and ensure all necessary steps are taken to protect workers and maintain compliance with current regulations.

While the matter is under review, you may be temporarily reassigned to safe alternative duties. At Gama Safety, we guarantee that no worker will be disciplined, penalized, or disadvantaged in any way for exercising their right to refuse unsafe work. Our priority is always the health, safety, and well-being of every team member.

For more workplace safety resources, visit www.gamasafety.ca.

At Gama Safety, we encourage all workers to speak up and act when they identify unsafe conditions. Using your right to refuse unsafe work is a vital step in protecting yourself and your team.

Training Center: 122-2544 Douglas Road, Burnaby BC. V5C 5B4, Canada.

+1 (866) 661-9803 | info@gamasafety.ca | www.gamasafety.ca

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