Who has the authority to impose a stop work order?

The authority to impose a stop work order lies with the Safety Engineer or the Construction Project Manager (CPM Safety) because they are responsible for overseeing site safety and compliance with regulations. This authority is critical in situations where work conditions threaten safety or violate safety protocols.

The Safety Engineer has the expertise to assess potential hazards and determine when it is necessary to halt operations to prevent accidents or injury. Their training and role emphasize maintaining a safe work environment, which empowers them to take immediate action to protect workers, the public, and the integrity of the project.

While other roles like the Site Foreman or Project Manager may have significant responsibilities on the site, the specific authority to issue a stop work order is typically reserved for those with dedicated safety oversight roles, as they are trained to recognize unsafe conditions promptly and have the authority to enforce compliance with safety regulations. The General Contractor also oversees project management tasks but, similar to the other roles, is not designated with the authority to impose such a critical safety measure directly.