When work needs to stop: seven clear signals

Stopping work is not a punishment or a sign of weakness. This is a controlled pause when actual conditions no longer correspond to a safe way to perform a task. The earlier the signal is noticed, the fewer the consequences.

Seven stop-work warning signs

• safety guard, lockout, alarm or emergency stop missing or faulty;
• there is smoke, sparking, a gas or burning odor, unusual heating, vibration or noise;
• people have entered the danger zone, and the operator cannot reliably control their position;
• conditions have changed: rain, wind, poor visibility, spills, collapse, movement of other equipment;
• the required tool or PPE is missing, they are damaged or not suitable for the task;
• the task goes beyond the scope of instruction, clearance, work order or your training;
• you do not understand the command, communication signals are lost or the actions of the participants contradict each other.

How to stop the action

1. Give a clear, established stop signal. If there is no single signal, say loudly and clearly: “Stop, hazard.”
2. Stop your activity in a safe way; do not make a sudden maneuver that will create a new risk.
3. Warn people nearby and, within your capabilities, prevent anyone from entering the danger zone.
4. Tell your manager: what you saw, where, when and what it threatens.
5. Resume work only after the cause has been eliminated, safe conditions have been confirmed and the task is clear.

Calm message formula

This formula eliminates the dispute about intentions. You do not blame your colleague or prove who is right, but show an observable fact and the next safe step. If hazard is not resolved, use the organization's escalation channel.

What does the employee's right say?

The Labor Code of Kazakhstan establishes guarantees in the field of labor safety and health, including refusal to perform work if there is an immediate danger to life and health. Please check the instructions of your workplace for the specific procedure for notification and further actions. In an emergency, people are first taken out of danger, then messages are issued.