Stop Work Authority: Empowering Everyone to Speak Up for Safety

Kinsey Donner, CSP
Jun 6
2 min read

At RAE Corporation, safety isn’t just a policy—it’s a mindset we live by every day. One of the most powerful tools in our safety toolbox is Stop Work Authority (SWA). It gives every team member—regardless of their title, role, or time with the company—the authority to pause a task if something doesn’t look or feel right.

Because when it comes to safety, you are the first line of defense.

When Should You Use Stop Work Authority?

You don’t need to be an expert to recognize when something seems off. Trust your instincts and speak up when you notice:

Equipment that appears damaged or malfunctioning (like forklifts, cranes, or saws).
Someone bypassing safety procedures or removing machine guards.
Missing, unclear, or outdated work instructions.
PPE not being worn or used correctly.
Confusion about responsibilities or task steps.
A general feeling of being unsafe or unsure about the job at hand.

What to Do if You Call a Stop

Stop the task immediately. Don’t wait for someone else to say something.
Report the concern to the employee involved, their lead, and a supervisor.
Don’t resume work until the hazard is reviewed and resolved.
Share what happened so others can learn and prevent similar issues.

Important Reminders:

No retaliation. Ever. You will not be punished or blamed for using Stop Work Authority. In fact, we applaud it.

Safety first. Always. It’s better to ask questions or take a short pause than to risk an injury, equipment damage, or worse.

You’re protecting more than yourself. SWA safeguards your team, our equipment, and the entire company.

Stop Work Authority isn’t about getting in trouble or slowing things down—it’s about empowering you to be a safety leader. Whether you’ve been at RAE for a day or a decade, your voice matters.

So if something doesn’t feel right—stop. Speak up. Stay safe.