Stop Work Authority

Overview

Every worker has the right and responsibility to stop work when they observe imminent danger or unsafe conditions that could cause serious injury or death. This right is protected by law and is essential for preventing catastrophic incidents.

Why This Is Important

Sometimes waiting to report a hazard isn’t enough—immediate action is required to prevent tragedy. Work should never continue when serious danger exists. Stopping unsafe work prevents injuries, saves lives, and demonstrates commitment to safety over production pressure. Understanding when and how to stop work empowers workers to act decisively in critical moments. Companies with strong stop-work authority programs experience fewer serious incidents and stronger safety cultures overall.

Best Practices / Safety Tips

• Stop work immediately if you observe imminent danger—serious injury or death could occur without intervention.
• Alert everyone in the immediate area of the danger using clear, direct communication.
• Notify your supervisor right away and explain specifically why work was stopped.
• Work with supervision to identify and implement corrective measures before resuming tasks.
• Never restart work until all hazards are controlled and everyone agrees it’s safe to proceed.
• Document the situation, hazards identified, and corrective actions taken for future reference.
• Understand your company’s stop-work procedures and practice using them before an emergency occurs.
• Support coworkers who exercise stop-work authority and never pressure them to continue unsafe work.
• Recognize that production schedules must never take priority over worker safety and wellbeing.
• Report any pressure to continue unsafe work to management, safety officers, or OSHA.

Takeaway

Your authority to stop unsafe work is one of the most powerful tools for preventing serious injuries. Never hesitate to use it when danger exists—protecting lives is always more important than maintaining schedules.