Reporting OSHA infractions is serious business, but workers have the right to file complaints. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is in charge of worker safety and health. Employees have the following rights under OSHA:
a safe and healthy working environment
know about hazardous substances information about job injuries and illnesses complain or seek hazard correction from employer training hazard exposure and medical records
submit a complaint to OSHA (anonymously if so desired)
take part in an OSHA inspection
be free from reprisal for exercising one’s right to safety and health
OSHA advises workers to initially attempt to address safety and health problems by reporting them to their managers. Employees, on the other hand, may file a complaint with OSHA at any moment.
You may make a complaint with the OSHA office that has jurisdiction over your workplace online, in writing, or by phone. The OSHA official complaint form is the simplest and most detailed method to make your complaint, but you may also provide your own written description of the danger if you want. Your complaint must contain the business’s name and contact information, as well as a description and location of the danger.
OSHA will want enough information to establish whether or not the danger exists. Information that aids OSHA’s judgment includes:
How many workers work at the location, and how many are at risk?
When and how are employees exposed?
What job is done in an unsafe or unhealthy environment?
What kind of equipment is employed? Is it in decent shape?
What kind of materials and/or chemicals are employed?
Have personnel been notified or instructed about potentially dangerous conditions?
What is the procedure and/or operation involved?
What type of work is done in the area?
How often and for how long do workers labor on the job that exposes them?
How long has the condition been known to you?
Have any efforts been made to resolve the issue?
What shifts are the hazards present?
Has anybody been hurt or sick as a consequence of this issue?
Have there been any “near misses”?
Do any workers suffer symptoms that they believe are the result of the dangerous condition or substance?
Have any workers received medical treatment for a work-related ailment or condition? What exactly was it?
If OSHA chooses to examine your workplace, you have the right to participate, discuss confidentially with the inspectors, and remain anonymous.
