OSHA Insight | How to Properly File a Complaint with OSHA

The ins and outs of dealing with the U.S. Safety and Health Administration or OSHA are something that both workers and employers should know about. It’s helpful for everyone involved to have a good idea of how OSHA reviews workplace safety and regulates businesses in many different industries.

OSHA is a part of the U.S. Department of Labor. This regulator insures that companies are complying with laws that protect workers from various kinds of hazards.

When workers see evidence of a safety hazard at work, they are encouraged to report it. Here’s ho wthe OSHA complaint process works.

Options for Filing OSHA Complaints

Workers can file an OSHA complaint online, using a digital complaint form, to get a message to an OSHA regional office.

Another option is to download an OSHA complaint form, print it, and then fax or mail it to the OSHA office.

In addition, workers can make OSHA complaints over the telephone. Those filing a complaint can call regional office numbers or, for emergencies, 1-800-321-OSHA.

Rules for OSHA Complaints

Technically, a worker is allowed to make an OSHA complaint about safety or health at any time. For discrimination complaints in the workplace, reporting should happen within 30 days of the allegedly discriminatory activity.

Who Can Complain? Employees and Their Representatives

Along with employees of the company, some other categories of people can file an OSHA complaint. A worker’s attorney or a union rep can file a complaint. In some cases related to disability limitation or other factors, a family member, a social worker or a member of the clergy can make a complaint for a worker.

OSHA workers will typically ask the reporting worker for as much information as possible about the alleged workplace hazard. From the initial interview, regulators will try to build an idea of how severe possible violations might be. There is often an on-site inspection that will confirm or disprove allegations.

Complying with OSHA Rules

It’s always important for businesses to comply with OSHA rules and other federal regulations. The government has made it easy to understand OSHA requirements by offering trainings and other resources to the business community.

In some cases, staffing services can help. Staffing service representatives may visit the company on a regular basis, to check on temporary workers and see how things are going. In these cases, staffing service people may sometimes see warning signs that would’ve otherwise gone unnoticed until the filing of a complaint or some other kind of emergency. Staffing firm employees don’t go in with the idea of checking up on a client, but they do provide important monitoring and oversight resources for companies. They also help to smooth the transition for new people coming into a business, so that client companies can do what they do best — focus on their core processes and products.

For more on how staffing service companies work with their clients, check out our Full Steam Staffing blog, for a lot more business advice and assistance with the big challenges that companies face in the Ontario, California community.