Work Refusals

Workers in Ontario have the right to refuse unsafe work.  According to the Occupational Health and Safety Act,  a worker may refuse to work where the worker has reason to believe that the work, the physical conditions of the workplace, workplace violence, and/or if any machine/device/thing which is to be operated is likely to endanger themselves or another worker. A worker cannot be subject to any reprisal or threat of reprisal by an employer or supervisor for exercising their right to refuse work that they believe is unsafe.

It is highly recommended that your school health and safety representative, Joint Health and Safety Committee Co-Chair, and the local unit office be contacted before initiating a work refusal