Workers must report dangerous conditions in the workplace to their employer, supervisor, or other person in charge. Workers have the right to refuse work that they reasonably believe constitutes a danger to their safety and health, or to the safety and health of another person.
If the employer and the worker(s) are unable to agree on a resolution, and workers are not satisfied that an employer has taken necessary steps to remedy the dangerous condition Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) may investigate the ‘right to refuse.’ Right to refuse is a high priority issue for WSH.
What is Considered Dangerous Work?
It is important to note that a danger to safety and health is different than a risk to safety and health. In order for something to be considered dangerous:
Investigating the Right to Refuse:
When WSH is advised of a right to refuse:
WSH Legal Requirements:
See Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act, W210:
See also, Part 35, Workplace Hazardous Products Information Systems Application of the Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Regulation (M.R. 217/2006).
To Report a Disputed ‘Right to Refuse’:
Call WSH at: 204-957-SAFE (7233) (Winnipeg), 1-855-957-SAFE (7233) (Toll-Free)
Contact the Workplace Safety & Health Branch
Phone: 204-957-SAFE (7233)
Toll-free: 1-855-957-SAFE (7233)
www.manitoba.ca/labour/safety/