How to file a safety and health complaint

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employees and their representatives have the right to file a safety and health complaint and request an inspection of their workplace by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) if they see a serious hazard or OSHA violation. 

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The complaint, OSHA states, should be filed as soon as possible after noting the hazard or potential violation, as OSHA citations may only be issued for violations that currently exist or existed in the last six months. 

A worker or employee has several options for filing a complaint. They may download the OSHA complaint form or request a copy from the local OSHA regional or area office, and then fax or mail it back. Include details such as name, address, and phone number for follow-up, as written complaints like this are more likely to entail an onsite inspection from OSHA. 

One may directly discuss their complaint with OSHA via phone. Call the local, regional, or area office or 1-800-321-OSHA for emergencies or life-threatening hazards. Complaints may also be filed online or by accomplishing this online form. Complains from workers in OSHA-approved state plan states will be forwarded to the appropriate state plan for proper response and action. 

This information comes in handy for workers who not only seek to report hazards at their worksite but also those who have been punished or discriminated against by employers for exercising their employee rights or for refusing to when faced with imminent danger of death or serious injury.

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Captain Martin Lloyd Sanders, Ph.D., is an officer in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS), and has rendered more than 12 years of service in the occupational safety and health. For similar reads, click here.