Can I refuse to work in dangerous conditions?
Yes — and it is an express statutory right, not insubordination. Under art. 283 of the Labour Code an employee has the right to refuse the work assigned to them, or to stop it, where a serious and immediate danger arises to their life or health — provided they notify their line manager at once. The right does not depend on the employer's consent: it is exercised on the spot and immediately. The employer is obliged to provide healthy and safe working conditions, free personal protective equipment, training and a risk assessment. Crucially: the danger must be serious and immediate — not merely an inconvenience or the ordinary risk of the trade.
📋 The rules
- A right under art. 283: to refuse or stop the work
- Condition: a serious and immediate danger
- Duty: immediately notify your line manager
- The employer provides free personal protective equipment
- The right does not depend on the employer's consent
🔓 Exceptions
- The ordinary occupational risk is not a "serious and immediate danger"
- The employer owes training and a risk assessment for the workplace
- The labour inspectorate can halt work at a site where there is danger
⚠️ Penalties & fines
An employer who fails to provide safe conditions is sanctioned by the labour inspectorate, which can also halt work at the site or on the machine. Dismissal or any other less favourable treatment for exercising the right under art. 283 is unlawful and is quashed by the court — the claim is brought within 2 months. In practice: notify in writing (email, a memo) and keep a copy — that is the difference between an exercised right and an unauthorised absence. A report to the inspectorate can be filed anonymously. And remember: after a workplace accident the employer's liability is strict — compensation is owed even without fault.
📎 Official sources
- lex.bg · Labour Code (arts. 283, 284) →
- lex.bg · Healthy and Safe Working Conditions Act →
- General Labour Inspectorate →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I stop work if it is dangerous?
Yes. Under art. 283 of the Labour Code you may refuse or stop the work where a serious and immediate danger arises to your life or health.
Do I need the employer's consent?
No. The right is exercised immediately and on the spot. Your only duty is to notify your line manager of the danger at once.
Does any danger count?
No. The danger must be serious and immediate. The ordinary occupational risk inherent in the job is not a ground for refusal under art. 283.
Can I be dismissed for it?
No. Dismissal or less favourable treatment for exercising the right under art. 283 is unlawful and is quashed by the court. The claim is brought within 2 months.
Who pays for protective equipment?
The employer — it is provided free of charge. They also owe training, a risk assessment and healthy and safe conditions at the workplace.
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