Internal Responsibility & Work Refusal

Internal Responsibility System:

Together, the duties and responsibilities of employers, supervisors and workers create an internal responsibility system (IRS).  The IRS is a process to ensure everyone in the workplace has a role in safety.  Every worker who becomes aware of a safety hazard in the workplace has a duty to report it to their supervisor.  Once the hazard has been reported, the supervisor has a duty to investigate and take appropriate corrective action to eliminate the potential hazard.  The IRS flowchart (OHS-4.1.1b) can be used as a reference tool and explains the process in further detail.

• Internal Responsibility System Flowchart (.pdf)
• Internal Responsibility System Process (.pdf)

Work Refusal:

Select the links below to download Work Refusal related information:

• Work Refusal Procedure (OHS-4.5.2) (.pdf)
• Work Refusal Form (OHS-4.5.2)  (.pdf)

Training:

• Resolution of Work Refusals - Supervisor Training

Resources: 

• Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, Skills and Development - The Internal Responsibility System | Guide to the Occupational Health and Safety Act | ontario.ca
• Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, Skills and Development - Part V: Right to refuse or to stop work where health and safety in danger | Guide to the Occupational Health and Safety Act | ontario.ca