Is It Legal for Your Employer To Fire You For Refusing Unsafe Work?
Pasadena, United States - July 9, 2026 / D.Law /
No worker should need to put their safety on the line just to fulfill their job requirements. But many employees, especially migrant workers, fear retaliation if they refuse to perform work that isn't safe.
Can a worker be fired for refusing unsafe work? D.Law explains that if the work violates occupational safety and health standards, a worker may be legally permitted to refuse it without fear of retaliation.
D.Law is an employment law firm that helps workers protect their rights, whether they are wondering when they should not sign a severance agreement or exploring their options for refusing unsafe work. The firm explains more about safe work standards below.
California labor laws set standards that employers must meet to keep employees safe on the job. Division 5 of the Labor Code specifically sets the framework for safety in employment.
A few relevant labor codes include:
Labor Code § 6400: Requires employers to furnish a place of employment that is safe and healthful for employees
Labor Code § 6401: Requires employers to create occupational health and safety training programs to instruct workers in safe work practices regarding the specific hazards associated with their job assignments
Labor Code § 6402: Prohibits employers from permitting or requiring employees to be in any employment that...
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