How to File an Anonymous Complaint With OSHA
Employees working in an office, factory or other environment are protected by laws enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Staff who believe their employers are breaking health and safety regulations can file a complaint confidentially and request an OSHA inspection of their workplace. Complainants can request their name not be disclosed to their employer and while they can file complaints anonymously, the American Federation of Labor - Congress of Industrial Organizations claims they are not afforded the same priority as complaints from named sources.
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Instructions
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Contact your union representative if you are a member and express your concerns to them. Unions can file complaints on your behalf and protect you from possible retaliation by your employer.
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Talk to at least one other employee about the hazard or safety issues if you are not a member of a union. Tell them you plan to lodge a complaint on their behalf too.
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Navigate your web browser to the OSHA Complaint Form and fill out the document online. Complaints signed by workers or their union agents that are submitted to OSHA offices stand a greater chance of receiving a site visit. You will need to supply detailed information including the name and type of company, location of the site, description of the hazard and if management has been made aware of safety concerns.
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Download and print the OSHA Complaint Form, supply all the requested information and post or fax the document to the nearest OSHA branch. Complaints signed by workers or union representatives are more likely to result in a site visit. You must submit your personal details such as name and address, but can request this information remain confidential.
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Phone your nearest OSHA area or regional office and explain to the operator why you are worried about safety in your workplace. The agent will answer any questions you have and you can withhold your name.
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Tips & Warnings
In emergencies or life-threatening situations you should call your local OSHA office immediately or phone the agency's head office at 1-800-321-OSHA.
If you believe you are a victim of discrimination or have been dismissed, demoted or transferred because you are exercising your OSHA rights, you only have 30 days to file a complaint. This includes cases where disciplinary action has been taken because staff refused to work in a dangerous environment and OSHA did not have time to organize a site inspection.
References
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