Stop-work authority

Also known as stop work, work refusal process.

The explicit right and responsibility to pause work when a person perceives an uncontrolled hazard or material change.

Safety notes

Production leadership must make reporting credible and retaliation-free, hold the area safely, reassess conditions with qualified people, and communicate authorization before resuming.
Applicable law, permits, collective agreements, venue rules, and qualified-person decisions take precedence.

In practice

Production leadership must make reporting credible and retaliation-free, hold the area safely, reassess conditions with qualified people, and communicate authorization before resuming.

Explore related entries

Sources

Safety Bulletins · Contract Services Administration Trust Fund
Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs · Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Educational reference only. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, employer, venue, and production context.