STOP WORK AUTHORITY TOOLBOX TALK
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Toolbox Topic
STOP WORK AUTHORITY TOOLBOX TALK
Duration
8–10 minutes
Date
Site / Area
Supervisor
Company
Participants
Document No
OBJECTIVE
Ensure every worker can immediately stop work when a serious or uncontrolled hazard is identified and that work restarts safely.
WHY IT MATTERS
Stop Work Authority is not limited to HSE personnel or managers; anyone who identifies the hazard should be able to use it.
Stopping work is not a blame or punishment mechanism. It is a way to prevent loss of control from becoming an incident.
Work should restart only after the hazard is reassessed, controls are implemented and affected personnel are briefed.
REALISTIC SITE SCENARIO
A worker noticed a person entering the suspended-load route during a lifting operation.
The worker stopped the operation and the load was placed in a safe position.
After the area was re-barricaded and the crew briefed, the operation restarted safely.
REMEMBER
If you believe something is seriously wrong, do not wait for an incident before stopping the work.
KEY HAZARDS
Uncontrolled energy.
People entering danger zones.
Changing work conditions.
Deviation from permits or procedures.
Damaged safety equipment.
Inadequate barricading.
Unclear instructions or communication.
Continuing unsafe work because of production pressure.
CONTROLS
Clearly support every worker's authority to stop work.
Stop the task safely when Stop Work is called.
Place energy or equipment in a safe condition.
Control the hazard area.
Inform the relevant supervisor and crews.
Reassess the hazard.
Implement required controls.
Update permits or risk assessments where necessary.
Rebrief the crew before restart.
Restart only after safe conditions are verified.
SUPERVISOR MESSAGE
Team, everyone here has the authority to stop work. If you see a serious or uncontrolled hazard, stop the task. No one will be blamed for using Stop Work for a genuine safety concern.
TEAM QUESTIONS
Who can use Stop Work Authority?
When should work be stopped?
What is the first action after stopping?
How will the supervisor be informed?
Who authorises restart?
Can production pressure override a safety control?
FIELD VERIFICATION
SWA authority explained
Crew understands authority
Stop method clear
Energy can be made safe
Supervisor communication clear
Reassessment method clear
Control process clear
Permit update considered
Restart approval clear
No-retaliation expectation explained
ATTENDANCE AND APPROVAL
Project / Site
Date
Presented by
Work area
Attendance and Signature
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Supervisor Signature
HSE Approval
SERNEM HSE Resource – Permit conditions, risk assessments and site procedures take priority.