Posted By FAH Hi Vrick 1st - See Ron Hunters post on A-Z of common sense. Personally I detest the term common sense - it ain't as common [that's as in universally spread & understood in the same way by the majority of people] as people who use it think it is; but I don't wish to divert your very serious question. I consider that it's almost impossible to define this term without using a series of other words that also require definitions - but here goes! Forgive the use of unexplained or otherwise "woolly" words &/or phrases. I would classify "serious & imminent danger" as any actual or potential event that the reasonably competent [in that activity] person should recognise as having the immediate or inherent ability to be capable of causing harm that could require the services of the emergency services inc medical assistance. I'm sure that others will have variations on this theme & I'll look forward to them appearing here. Frank Hallett

Posted By Raymond Rapp Vrick I think the concept of serious and imminent danger is open to interpretation, perhaps deliberately so, as there are too many examples when it can be applied. Most procedures take into account some form of arbitration and alternative safer work is sought if possible. It does not normally allow the person(s) to go home. Ray

Posted By Jeffrey Watt Vrick I do not know if your question relates to an ongoing problem or is hypothetical. If it is real then I would ask what type of protection do you think the law can give? Right to have your job back after you walk out and get fired. Probably take about 6 years? Right to not be disciplined for refusing a "reasonable" request. Appeal it, probably take a year, big black mark against your name for the rest of your natural in that company? Right to be listened to because its the law? Never really works as the only one that really cares is you. I would suggest that relying on "the Law" is Plan B. Plan A is making your concerns known to your manager and letting them know you are very worried about X, Y, Z and some of the blokes are talking about calling the HSE, strewth what will that do to this months figures if they are in asking awkward questions and closing off production lines, some of them breath fire I hear. But Dave , you know Dave in C building drives the old Mercedes, well he says he can make a jig and weld up a do hicky that will do the job, just need your go ahead Boss man. Being right is not the same as being clever. There is employment case law (do not have book beside me so cannot reference, sorry)where a lady left work because it was freezing cold, she was fired and subsequently won a case against her employer using breach of statutory duty, i.e. not providing an adequately heated work environment was a breach that broke the employment contract between employee and employer. Buying your own heater and letting your boss know on a daily basis what a complete Scrooge they are would be a quicker and less painful journey than 4-5 years in and out of tribunal. Best of luck with Plan A mate. Jeff

Posted By Carolynn Wilson Hi Vrick Maybe a late response but we use this terminology a lot at my work place. An Imminent Danger is considered to be a hazard which presents a clear and present danger or a practice or condition which could reasonably be expected to cause death or serious injury. Hope it helps - or at least gives another view point. Regards