Do you have the right to refuse unsafe work?

Question

Accepted Answer

You can refuse to work if there is a serious risk to you or anyone else from an ‘immediate and imminent’ exposure to a hazard. You must tell your boss about the risk as soon as possible. If the problem isn’t fixed, you can refuse to do the work -- so long as you have reasonable grounds to believe there is a serious risk.
You have reasonable grounds for continuing your refusal to work if your workplace’s health and safety representative has told you that the work would expose you or someone else to a serious risk. If you’re fired or disadvantaged for stopping work on health and safety grounds, you may be able to take a personal grievance to the Employment Relations Authority.
If you think your workplace is unsafe, tell your employer’s health and safety officer or committee as soon as you can. If the problem isn’t fixed, talk to Worksafe NZ. Their inspectors can investigate breaches of the law and enforce the laws. You don’t have to give your name when you complain.

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