The right to refuse work as a preventive measure : preliminary study Abstract The law (1979) describes the right to refuse dangerous work in general terms only. This study was undertaken to examine the manner in which this preventive measure has been exercised since its adoption.All dangerous work refusals reported by inspectors or the Review Board between 1981 and 1985 were subjected to statistical analysis. In addition, the outcomes of various appealed judgements were studied.The right to refuse dangerous work has not been used uniformly. Seven companies accounted for one-third of all cases, and unionized workers account for 98% of all cases. The right to refuse dangerous work has been an effective preventive measure, as evidenced by the application of corrective measures in 60% of the cases. The jurisprudence concerning the right to refuse dangerous work remains unclear.Recourse to this right has facilitated the settlement of work conflicts. The legal description of the right to refuse dangerous work should be simplified and made more explicit. Produced Under this Project Scientific Reports Right of refusal: study of the implementation of a new right Research Summary: PR-103 Scientific Publications The right to refuse in Québec : Five-year evolution of a new mode of expressing riskRenaud M., Saint-Jacques C.Source : International Journal of Health Services, vol. 18, no 3, 1988, p. 401- 417Le refus d'exécuter un travail dangereux : aux confins du droit et des sciences socialesTrudeau G.Source : Sociologie et sociétés, vol. XVIII, no 2, octobre 1986, p. 87-97 Additional Information Type: Project Number: 0085-0070 Status: Completed Year of completion: 1988 Research Field: OSH and Sustainable Prevention Work Environment Team: Hélène David (Institut de recherche appliquée sur le travail)Marc Renaud (Université de Montréal)Marcel Simard (Université de Montréal)Gilles Trudeau (Université de Montréal)