Hi,
Where I am employed, we definatly have the right to refuse to perform electrical work if we feel we lack the proper safety training for the task or if we feel it is unsafe. Safety is always considered first at our shop.
Now that doesn't mean we have a "get out of work free card", it means we are to consider the our safety and the safety of others when performing installations, repairs and service.
All of our field employees are required to have a 30 hour OSHA card in order to be the lead man on a job or to work alone.
Most of us thought it was a grand waste of time 4 years ago when the company started the 10 hour requirement for all emplioyees. But since then, I have seen the benefits of the training for me as well as new hires.
The 30 hour course had been met with mixed reviews when it started, but we have already seen the overall safety of our employees improve.
Knowledge is always a benefit. Yes, there is a cost. When costs are weighed, foreknowledge is always less expensive than hindsight.
I for one feel much more confident having the training in safety and NEC than the years previous before our company required neither.
My two cents,
Dave
