Workers should not be forced to compromise their health or physical safety in order to maintain employment. Oregon law affirms the right of employees to reject tasks that present an imminent risk of serious injury or death. A thorough understanding of these protections enables workers to assert their rights confidently and responsibly.
Defining imminent workplace hazards
Not all risks qualify as unsafe under Oregon employment law. A job assignment becomes legally unsafe when it involves conditions likely to result in severe harm or fatality. Examples include malfunctioning machinery, inadequate protective equipment, or exposure to toxic substances. If an employer directs you to perform work under such conditions, and the threat is immediate and severe, you have a legal right to decline.
Procedural steps before refusal
Before refusing to perform hazardous work, you must notify your supervisor of the specific concern. This communication creates a record and offers the employer a chance to correct the issue.
If the employer fails to act, you can escalate the matter by filing a complaint with Oregon OSHA. Document the details, including dates, times, and any correspondence. If the risk remains serious and urgent, you may lawfully refuse the assignment, provided you stay on site unless doing so would expose you to further danger.
Statutory safeguards against retaliation
Oregon law explicitly prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who refuse unsafe work under appropriate conditions. If you report a hazardous condition in good faith and follow the legal process, your employer cannot terminate, discipline, or otherwise penalize you. These protections align with broader state and federal mandates that require employers to maintain a safe and healthful workplace.
Proactive action protects workplace safety
Choosing to report the hazard benefits not only your well-being but also the safety of your colleagues. Legal protections exist to support ethical decision-making in the workplace. Acting promptly and according to procedure ensures accountability and reduces the likelihood of preventable accidents.
