How to File a Complaint with OSHA
If you’ve ever visited the break room in your workplace, it’s fairly certain you’ve seen posters for OSHA, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a government organization put in place thanks to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. This organization gives you the opportunity to file a complaint if you believe the working conditions your employer offers you are unsafe or unhealthful. With a simple visit to www.osha.gov you can file a complaint or find answers to commonly asked questions. Their homepage gives a direct link to their instructions on filing complaints and gives you the opportunity there to file online, to download their complaint form and fax/mail it to your local OSHA Regional Office and even links to additional information on when to file a complaint, who can complain and how OSHA responds to complaints.
Filing online is by far the easiest way to file a complaint. Their site offers a simple form, asking questions such as the establishment’s name, the street address, management’s name, the hazard’s description and location and questions pertaining to who you are. You are given the opportunity to remain anonymous to your employer, however you are required to provide your name and phone number for OSHA to contact you regarding your complaint.
The down-loadable form is two pages, the first containing notices and then instructions on how to complete the form. The second is the extremely simple form asking the same questions as the online version. Once the form is completed it has to be returned to your local OSHA office. Their website offers a map of the US separated into local regions. Once clicking on your region it gives links to the separate states which contains the address, phone and fax number of the OSHA office. You can also contact these offices by phone and speak with OSHA staff.
If you want to report an imminent danger or emergency they suggest you call (800) 321-OSHA immediately. They do have requirements for the use of this number, of which include threats of death or serious physical harm, or something else similar to immediate or imminent danger.
It is recommended you try and solve the issue by notifying and involving your supervisors first, but if you feel the need to file a complaint their page offers a list of questions to help you gather needed information and complete the simple forms.
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