Which of the following statements about safety and equipment is true according to the material?

• A. You may refuse to operate unsafe equipment
• B. You must operate unsafe equipment if told
• C. Unsafe equipment cannot be refused
• D. Only managers can refuse unsafe equipment

Answer: (A)

The main concept is that workers have the right to refuse unsafe equipment and stop work to prevent injuries. The correct statement reflects this safety principle: you may refuse to operate equipment you believe is unsafe. This protects you and your coworkers by ensuring dangerous gear isn’t used until it’s repaired or replaced. When you encounter unsafe equipment, you should tell your supervisor, take the equipment out of service, and follow the proper steps to get it fixed before continuing. This authority isn’t limited to managers—any worker has the responsibility to avoid using equipment that could cause harm. The other options imply you must operate unsafe gear, that unsafe equipment can’t be refused, or that only managers can refuse, which conflicts with the safety practice of stop-work authority and worker empowerment to prevent accidents.