In Canada an employee can refuse work if they

believe the situation is unsafe.

- The employee must notify their supervisor.

- The employee, supervisor, and a JHSC member or employee representative will

investigate to resolve issues.

- A government health and safety inspector are called if the issue remains

unresolved

- Inspector investigates and gives decision in writing.

The key is discovering what failed in

the IRS that resulted in a work refusal. Work refusal procedures are different

across many Canadian jurisdictions.

Internal Responsibility System (IRS)

The internal responsibility system (IRS) is a fundamental philosophy which is the basis

for most Occupational Health & Safety prevention legislation in Canada. The Internal R

esponsibility System (IRS) is a system in which every individual is responsible for

safety. A clear set of statements about responsibility and authority for health and safety

exists for each person no exceptions. Accountability is built right into the

organizational structure. People in the organization interact with each other to identify

health and safety problems and seek opportunities to improve.