BEH/General/TBT-BEH-017
Stop Work Authority Rights and Process
Behavioural Safety & Leadership › General › Stop Work Authority Rights and Process
Toolbox Talk
Stop Work Authority Rights and Process
Every person on a construction site has the right and the responsibility to stop work if they believe there is an imminent risk of serious injury. Stop work authority is not limited to supervisors or managers — it applies to every operative, regardless of role, experience, or employer. Using stop work authority is not a sign of weakness or disruption; it is the most powerful safety tool available on any site. No one should ever be penalised for stopping work in good faith.
Key Hazards
Workers continuing unsafe tasks because they feel unable to challenge the situation
Fear of disciplinary action or dismissal preventing workers from speaking up
Production pressure overriding safety concerns and encouraging risk-taking behaviour
Lack of awareness that every worker has the authority to halt dangerous activities
Control Measures
- Understand that you have the right to stop any work you believe presents imminent danger.
- Communicate your concern clearly to your supervisor and explain what you have observed.
- Do not restart the activity until the hazard has been assessed and resolved by a competent person.
- Support colleagues who exercise their stop work authority without criticism or negative consequences.
- Report stop work events through the site reporting system so lessons can be shared.
- Attend toolbox talks and briefings that reinforce the stop work process and your rights.
- Know your company's stop work procedure and the steps to follow when invoking it.
- Escalate concerns to the site manager or safety team if your immediate supervisor does not respond.
- Document what you observed, when you stopped work, and the outcome for the official record.
Remember
- Every worker on site has the right and duty to stop work if they see imminent danger.
- You will never be disciplined or penalised for stopping work in good faith to prevent harm.
- Stop work authority applies to everyone regardless of role, company, or level of experience.
- After stopping work, explain your concern clearly and do not restart until the issue is resolved.
- If your concern is dismissed without proper investigation, escalate it to the site safety team.
- Using stop work authority is a sign of courage and professionalism, not a disruption.
Applicable Legislation: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 · Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 · CDM Regulations 2015
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