Changes to Right to Refuse Unsafe Work

Effective August 22, 2022, WorkSafeBC has implemented amendments to the Right to Refuse Unsafe Work. Workers have the right to refuse unsafe work if they have reasonable cause to believe that performing it would create an undue hazard to the health and safety of any person. Changes will now require employers to provide written notice of an unresolved work refusal to any worker subsequently assigned or allowed to perform that work, and to provide written notice of the reassignment to the joint health and safety committee or a union representative.
These important changes strengthen workers’ fundamental right to a safe workplace and their ability to make workplaces safer for everyone.

Please read the full bulletin K-12_Presidents_Council_Bulletin_Changes_to_Right_to_Refuse_Unsafe_Work_2022_09_01