The obligation
A worker may cease or refuse work if they have a reasonable concern it would expose them to a serious risk from an immediate or imminent exposure to a hazard.
A health and safety representative may, by written cease work notice, direct a worker in their work group to cease work on the same reasonable concern. If the risk is so serious and immediate or imminent that consulting first is not reasonable, the representative may give the direction without consulting the business, and may give it orally. A cease work notice must state the concern and its basis, the provision it is given under, the work group or worker affected, and the day and time.
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- What
- A worker may cease or refuse work if they have a reasonable concern it would expose them to a serious risk from an immediate or imminent exposure to a hazard.
- Source
- legislation.qld.gov.au
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Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
Issue resolution and the right to cease unsafe work is a WHS requirement set out in Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (QLD). The relevant provision is Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld) > Part 5 > Divisions 5–6.
What does this WHS obligation require?
Issue resolution and the right to cease unsafe work is a WHS obligation under Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (QLD). In short, A worker may cease or refuse work if they have a reasonable concern it would expose them to a serious risk from an immediate or imminent exposure to a hazard.
What changed recently?
Issue resolution and the right to cease unsafe work was last updated on 9 October 2026.
