Stopping Work
General Safety | 10-15 min
Summary
The authority and responsibility to stop work when conditions are unsafe is one of the most important safety tools available to every worker. Many organizations formally grant all employees the right to halt any activity they believe is immediately dangerous to life or health. However, this authority only has value if workers feel empowered to use it and know how to exercise it effectively.
Members get the full script, discussion questions, English + Spanish printable PDFs, and email delivery.
Start your 7-day free trialKey Points to Cover
- Every worker has the right and responsibility to stop unsafe work
- Stop work for imminent danger or significant procedural deviations
- Trust your instinct that something is wrong
- Communicate clearly about what you observed and why it's dangerous
- Never resume until hazards are adequately addressed
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should this safety talk take?
Plan for about 10-15 min, with extra time for questions and site-specific examples.
Can I tailor the discussion to my workplace?
Yes. Use the key points as a starting place and connect them to the tasks, equipment, and procedures your team uses.