Safety Violations and Your Right to Refuse Dangerous Work
Working in construction is a tough and often dangerous job. That’s why there are strict safety laws in place to protect workers, especially in California. These laws ensure employers provide a safe work environment. If you’re a construction worker and you’re being asked to work under unsafe conditions, it’s important to know that you have the right to refuse dangerous work. Understanding these rights can help protect your health and your life.
California Safety Laws Protect Construction Workers
California has some of the strongest worker protection laws in the country. The California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) is responsible for setting and enforcing safety standards. By law, every employer must provide a workplace free from serious recognized hazards, and this includes construction sites.
Common safety violations on construction sites may include:
- Exposed wiring or faulty electrical systems
- Unstable scaffolding or lack of fall protection
- Lack of protective gear like hard hats, gloves, or goggles
- Improper training or no training at all for hazardous equipment
- Toxic chemical exposure without proper ventilation
When employers ignore or overlook these hazards, they put workers at serious risk. Fortunately, the law is on your side.
Your Right to Refuse Dangerous Work
California law gives you the right to refuse work that could seriously hurt you or someone else. If you believe the work conditions are unsafe and your employer does not fix the issue after you raise your concern, you can refuse to perform the task. However, there is a proper way to handle the situation to ensure your rights are protected.
Steps to take when refusing dangerous work:
- Inform your supervisor or employer about the unsafe condition
- Request that the dangerous condition be corrected
- If the employer does nothing, you may have the right to refuse to do the unsafe work
- Remain at the worksite unless leaving is the only safe option
- Contact Cal/OSHA to report the hazard
If you’re disciplined, fired, or treated unfairly for refusing unsafe work, that could be considered retaliation—and that’s illegal under California law. You may have the right to file a complaint and seek legal help.
You’re Not Alone—Help Is Available
Standing up for your safety should never cost you your job. If you’re dealing with unsafe working conditions or you’ve been punished for speaking up about them, you’re not alone. There is legal help available to protect your rights.
If you or someone you know is experiencing issues with safety violations or needs help understanding your right to refuse dangerous work, call Jonny Law. Our team understands California’s worker protection laws and is ready to help construction workers get the justice they deserve.
Call Jonny Law today at 800-566-4868 for a free consultation. Don’t wait until it’s too late—your safety comes first.