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Stop Work Authority: You Have the Power to Say No
If you see a danger, you must stop the job immediately and you will never be punished for it.
Why this matters
- Safety is everyone's responsibility, not just the manager or the HSE team. You are the one doing the work, so you are often the first person to see a new hazard. Whether it is a machine acting strange or a coworker forgetting their harness, your eyes are our best protection.
- Many workers fear they will get in trouble or be sent home if they slow down the job. On this site, the rule is different: we value your life more than the schedule. Stopping a dangerous task prevents accidents that would cause much longer delays and serious pain.
Talking points
- Every single person on this site has the authority to call for a Stop Work. It does not matter if you are a helper, a driver, or a foreman.
- If you see an unsafe act or an unsafe condition, speak up immediately. Tell the person to stop what they are doing.
- You do not need to be a safety expert to use this power. If something feels wrong or looks dangerous, stop it and ask for a check.
- There will be no punishment: no fines: and no shouting. You will never be in trouble for stopping a job because of a safety concern.
- Once work is stopped, inform your supervisor or the HSE officer so we can fix the problem together.
- Work only starts again when the area is confirmed to be safe for everyone.
Ask the crew
- Who on this site is allowed to stop a task if they see a hazard?
- Will you be punished or lose money if you stop work for safety?
- What should you do immediately after you tell someone to Stop Work?
Download the PDF with attendance sheet
More general site talks
Welcoming New Starters: Safety in the First WeeksChange of Plan: Why You Must Stop and ReassessWaste Segregation: More Than Just CleaningWorking with Other Contractors: Coordination and Shared HazardsEnd of Shift: Securing the Workplace Before You LeaveEmergency Readiness: Numbers, First Aiders, and Assembly Points
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