What should an employee do if they believe their workplace is unsafe?

When an employee believes that their workplace is unsafe, the most appropriate action is to notify their employer and refuse unsafe work. This approach is grounded in the principles of occupational health and safety, which stipulate that employees have the right to a safe working environment.

By notifying the employer, the employee is allowing the employer the opportunity to address any potential hazards and take corrective action. This action is crucial because employers are legally obligated to provide a safe workplace and must investigate and resolve safety concerns raised by employees.

Refusing unsafe work is protected under workplace safety regulations, as long as the employee has reasonable grounds to believe that performing the work would pose a risk to their health and safety. This refusal must be communicated clearly to the employer, after which the employer is required to investigate and resolve the situation appropriately.

In contrast, just continuing to work until an accident occurs does not address the safety issue and could lead to serious consequences for the employee. Filing a complaint with the union could be a subsequent step, but it is not the immediate action that directly involves addressing the safety concern. Leaving the job immediately might seem like a solution but can lead to complications related to employment status, and may not address the underlying safety issue.

Thus, notifying the employer and refusing unsafe