14 Questions
Who is responsible for reviewing and adhering to the guideline of a worker's right to refuse unsafe work?
All employees
What is the first step when a worker exercises their right to refuse or stop work?
Promptly report the circumstances to the supervisor
Who cannot refuse unsafe work if the danger is a normal part of the job?
Police officers and firefighters
Where is the worker's right to refuse unsafe work laid out?
In the Occupational Health and Safety Act
What happens if the matter is not resolved after the supervisor investigates?
The Management and Labour Co-chairs of the Central Joint Health and Safety Committee are notified
Where should the worker remain during the investigation?
In a safe location
Who is notified to investigate if the matter is not resolved?
The Management and Labour Co-chairs of the Central Joint Health and Safety Committee
Which workers can refuse unsafe work if the refusal would not endanger the life, health, or safety of another person?
Most workers, except for certain public safety workers
Who can substitute for the Management or Labour Co-chairs of the Central Joint Health and Safety Committee?
Management or Labour Co-chairs from any of the four TFS Joint Health and Safety Committees
What is the purpose of involving Corporate Health and Safety personnel in an investigation?
To provide additional resources for the investigation
What happens to the piece of equipment or fire apparatus in question during a work refusal investigation?
It is not used or reassigned to any other worker until the internal investigation has taken place
What is the result if the parties cannot come to a resolution during a work refusal investigation?
The MLITSD is contacted by either of the Central Health and Safety Co-Chairs or their alternates
What is the responsibility of the refusing worker during the follow-up investigation?
To remain available for the follow-up investigation in a safe location
What may happen to the refusing worker if additional time or resources are required for the investigation?
They are reassigned to alternative safe, non-refused work pending the results
Study Notes
Worker's Right to Refuse Unsafe Work
- A worker's right to refuse unsafe work is outlined in Part V of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
- Certain workers, such as police officers, firefighters, correctional institution workers, and healthcare workers, cannot refuse unsafe work if the danger is a normal part of the job or if the refusal would endanger another person's life, health, or safety.
Guidelines for Refusing Unsafe Work
- All employees are responsible for reviewing and adhering to the guidelines for refusing unsafe work.
- If a worker refuses to work or do particular work, they must promptly report the circumstances to their supervisor and remain available for the follow-up investigation.
- The supervisor must investigate the report in the presence of the worker, and if the matter is resolved, no further action is required.
Investigation Procedure
- If the matter is not resolved, the supervisor will contact Communications to request the Management and Labour Co-chairs of the Central Joint Health and Safety Committee to investigate.
- The Co-chairs may request Corporate Health and Safety personnel to assist in their investigation.
- The Co-chairs are empowered to jointly resolve any safety issue causing the work refusal.
Reporting and Follow-up
- Work refusal investigations will be reported to the appropriate Command and Central Joint Health and Safety Committees, as well as the Fire Chief.
- The worker shall remain available for the follow-up investigation in a safe location.
- If additional time or resources are required, the refusing worker may be reassigned alternative safe, non-refused work pending the results, with the agreement of the parties involved.
Learn about the laws and regulations surrounding a worker's right to refuse unsafe work, including exceptions for certain professionals who have a responsibility to protect public safety.
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