Every worker in the United States has the right to a safe workplace. If your employer is exposing you to hazards — unsafe equipment, toxic chemicals, missing fall protection, or any condition that could cause serious injury or death — you can file a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Here's exactly how to do it.
Who Can File an OSHA Complaint?
Anyone can file an OSHA complaint. You do not need to be a current employee of the company. Complaints can be filed by:
- Current employees who observe unsafe conditions at their workplace
- Former employees who witnessed hazards during their employment
- Family members of workers concerned about safety conditions
- Union representatives or employee advocates
- Any member of the public who observes a workplace hazard
Complaints from current employees carry the most weight. When a current or former employee signs a formal complaint, OSHA is required by law to conduct an on-site inspection.
3 Ways to File an OSHA Complaint
1. Online (Fastest)
The quickest way to file is through OSHA's online complaint form at osha.gov/workers/file-complaint. You'll need to provide:
- The employer's name and address
- A description of the hazard(s)
- The number of workers exposed
- Whether the hazard has already caused injuries
- Your contact information (optional — you can file anonymously)
Online complaints are typically treated as informal complaints unless you follow up with a signed written statement. OSHA may investigate these through a phone/fax process rather than an on-site inspection.
2. By Phone
Call your local OSHA area office directly, or call OSHA's national hotline at 1-800-321-OSHA (1-800-321-6742). The hotline operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM ET.
When calling, have the same information ready that you would for an online complaint: the employer's name, location, the specific hazard, and how many workers are affected.
For emergencies — situations where workers are in imminent danger of death or serious injury — always call the hotline or your local OSHA office first. You can also call 911 if there is immediate danger to life.
3. In Writing
You can mail or fax a written complaint to your nearest OSHA area office. This method is the most effective because a signed written complaint from a current employee legally obligates OSHA to conduct an on-site inspection. Download the complaint form from OSHA's website or write a letter that includes:
- Your name and contact information
- The employer's name and worksite address
- A detailed description of each hazard
- The specific location within the workplace
- How long the hazard has existed
- Whether you've reported it to the employer
What Happens After You File
Once OSHA receives your complaint, here's the process:
- Evaluation — OSHA reviews the complaint and determines the severity of the alleged hazard. Complaints involving imminent danger are prioritized.
- Investigation — OSHA either conducts an on-site inspection (for formal complaints or serious hazards) or a phone/fax investigation (for less severe or informal complaints). In a phone/fax investigation, OSHA contacts the employer and requests a response within 5 business days.
- Inspection — If an on-site inspection is conducted, a compliance officer visits the workplace, walks through the facility, interviews workers, reviews safety records, and documents any violations.
- Citations — If violations are found, OSHA issues citations to the employer, including proposed penalties. Penalties for serious violations can range from $1,036 to $16,131 per violation. Willful violations can reach $161,323.
- Follow-up — OSHA sends you a letter describing the results of the investigation. If you're not satisfied, you can request a review.
Your Rights: Protection from Retaliation
Federal law protects workers who file OSHA complaints. Under Section 11(c) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, your employer cannot:
- Fire or lay you off
- Demote you or cut your pay
- Transfer you to a less desirable position
- Reduce your hours or change your schedule
- Threaten, harass, or intimidate you
- Blacklist you from future employment
If your employer retaliates against you for filing a complaint, you have 30 days to file a whistleblower complaint with OSHA. Call 1-800-321-OSHA or file online at osha.gov/whistleblower.
Can I File Anonymously?
Yes. OSHA does not reveal the name of the complainant to the employer. When you file, you can request that your identity remain confidential. However, anonymous complaints are treated as informal and may receive a phone/fax investigation rather than an on-site inspection.
For the strongest outcome, consider filing a signed formal complaint. Your name is still protected from disclosure to the employer, but OSHA is legally required to inspect.
Tips for an Effective Complaint
- Be specific. Instead of "the workplace is unsafe," describe the exact hazard: "There is no guardrail on the second-floor mezzanine, and workers walk within 2 feet of the unprotected edge."
- Include dates. Note when you first observed the hazard and how long it has persisted.
- Document everything. Take photos if it's safe to do so. Keep copies of safety complaints you've made to your employer.
- Mention injuries. If the hazard has already caused injuries, include that information. OSHA prioritizes complaints involving actual harm.
- Reference OSHA standards. If you know which specific standard is being violated, include it. You can look up common OSHA standards on our site.
Check Your Employer's Safety Record
Before or after filing a complaint, you can look up your employer's complete OSHA inspection and violation history on Workplace File. Every employer in the federal OSHA database has a safety profile with a letter grade, violation breakdown, and penalty history.
If your employer has a D or F safety grade, it means they have an above-average or significantly elevated rate of OSHA violations — which may strengthen the case for your complaint.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For official information about filing OSHA complaints, visit osha.gov. Last updated February 2026.