Congress developed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in 1970 to deal with the work environment and establish standards for training and employee assistance. OSHA is an agency of the United States Department of Labor. OSHA operates at the federal and state level. The purpose of this agency is to keep the workplace safe for everyone there. If you suspect a problem exists that need reporting, OSHA has procedures in place for filing complaints.
Step 1
Compile notes regarding the problem. Include your employer's site address, phone number and the full name of the management official in charge. OSHA may want to know the number of employees on the site and dates with detailed information regarding accidents.
Step 2
Open the online complaint form on your computer browser. As an alternative, you can download a form and print it out, once completed, fax or mail the form to the OSHA office. For emergency situations, do not submit a form. Contact the OSHA office by phone for help (See Resources).
Step 3
Submit the information requested and follow up if necessary with the office. OSHA will assign a priority to your complaint and if it is not an emergency, the process may take time. Call the office after several weeks and inquire about the status of the investigation if no action is taken.
Tips and Warnings
- Consider whether or not you want your employer to know who filled the charge against them. OSHA will keep that information confidential if requested.
References
- United States Department of Labor: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): A History of its First Thirteen Years, 1971-1984
- United States Department of Labor: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): We Can Help
- United States Department of Labor: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): About OSHA
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