Withdrawal from Work in the Event of Imminent Danger

The grievor sought as corrective action that he not be required to work alone and that all employees in his occupational group be provided with an emergency communication system, with an adequate back-up system to safely perform their duties.

The Administrative Committee considered and agreed with the report of the Occupational Health, Safety and Physical Working Conditions Committee that the Procedures Governing Withdrawal from Work in the Event of Imminent Danger were not applicable to this grievance as no withdrawal from work had taken place.

It was also agreed that problems could arise when an employee is required to work along if the necessary safety and/or security measures are not taken. There is nothing in the procedures that restricts an employee from withdrawing from work if faced with imminent danger. The Occupational Health, Safety and Physical Working Conditions Committee were of the opinion that a danger could occur when the proper equipment is not provided, for example, there is an inherent danger in a firefighter's job, however, there could be a withdrawl from work if the proper equipment was not provided to protect the safety of the employee.

The grievance was denied.