How to Report a Hazard in Your Job

If you’re concerned about a potential hazard at your job that could result in injury or illness, don’t hesitate to report it. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issues standards that protect employees from unsafe or unhealthy working conditions. Your employer must comply with these standards or face fines. You can choose to have your name withheld from your employer when you file a complaint. OSHA will evaluate your complaint and decide whether to conduct an on-site inspection or an off-site investigation.

Things You'll Need

• Phone
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Printer
• Paper
• Pen
• Envelope and stamp or fax machine

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Instructions

• 1

  Tell your employer about the hazard if you feel comfortable doing so. Your employer can handle the matter or contact OSHA to find out how to improve working conditions.

• 2

  File a complaint through OSHA’s website if you don’t want to discuss the hazard with your employer. Fill out OSHA’s online complaint form (see Resources). Include the required information marked by red asterisks and any other requested information you feel comfortable providing. You can indicate whether you want your name revealed to your employer. Click “Send” to submit your form.

• 3

  Call your regional OSHA office to file a complaint over the phone. Click “Contact Us” on OSHA’s main web page then click “See map of offices” to find your regional office contact information.

• 4

  Download a printable complaint form from OSHA’s website, which is linked under Resources. You’ll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open the PDF file. Fill it out and send or fax it to your regional OSHA office. You can also call your regional office to request a copy if you can't download the complaint form.