The third right of workers is the right to refuse to do work that they have reason to believe is unsafe for them or another worker. Most jurisdictions outline a process for work refusal that includes a number of steps. These steps include:

• Worker informs supervisor of a health or safety concern
• Supervisor must look into the worker’s concerns
• With the employer, health and safety representatives and consultants (if necessary), do everything possible to address the concerns.
• If unable to resolve the concern bring in an outside Health and Safety inspector to investigate.

Note: Workers must never be punished for exercising their right to refuse unsafe work.