How to Report OSHA Violations
In workplaces, keeping everyone safe is important, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) plays a big role in making sure that happens. Sometimes, though, there can be problems or violations of safety rules. Knowing how to report an OSHA violation is not just something individuals can do; it's something we all need to do to make workplaces safer.
This easy-to-follow guide is here to help both workers and employers. We’ll cover the process of reporting step by step so you can navigate the often-complicated landscape of workplace safety reporting with confidence.
How to Report an OSHA Violation
If employees think there is a major hazard at work or that their employer is not abiding by OSHA guidelines, they can file a complaint and request an inspection by OSHA. An employee may request that OSHA withhold the identity of the complaint's filer from their employer. Employers are prohibited under the Act from terminating, demoting, transferring, or treating a worker unfairly in any form because the worker filed a complaint or exercised other OSHA rights.
There are a few ways you can report a violation if you think the working conditions are unhealthy or dangerous. Complaints can be submitted:
- Online
- Mail or fax
- Phone by calling 1-800-321-OSHA (6742)
- In person at your local OSHA location
OSHA also offers an option known as whistleblower complaints. When workers believe their employer has discriminated against them for exercising their rights under the Whistleblower Protection Law, they submit whistleblower complaints.
OSHA assesses the complaint upon filing to determine the most effective course of action.
What Happens When I Submit an OSHA Complaint?
By submitting an OSHA complaint, you are asking OSHA to send an inspector to your work to look into any potential hazards or OSHA standards that your employer may not be upholding. You do not need to provide evidence of any legal infractions committed by your employer, just that there is negligence. As stated on the OSHA website, "OSHA citations may only be issued for violations that currently exist or existed in the past 6 months," so a complaint "should be filed as soon as possible after noticing the hazard or lack of compliance." OSHA has the discretion to conduct an investigation.
What are the Consequences of OSHA Non-compliance?
OSHA compliance can literally mean the difference between life and death. When lives are at stake, negligence and failure to comply lead to serious consequences. Here are the three major consequences of not following OSHA requirements:
Payment Penalties
OSHA compliance failures are categorized into five major types: serious, non-serious, posting requirement, failure to abate violations, and willful or repeated. Each type of violation comes with a consequential fine. OSHA and the Department of Labor's 2024 penalty updates show serious offenses can result in fines of up to $16,131, and willful or repeated violations can cost up to $161,323.
Risk of Imprisonment
Willful compliance violations under OSHA standards are classified as criminal offenses, with jail time varying based on the severity of the violation and related injuries and deaths. Putting any life at risk warrants the imposition of jail sentence penalties, which vary based on the severity of the offense and any associated injuries or deaths.
Serious Injuries and Risk of Death
Non-compliance with OSHA regulations can lead to legal or life-threatening consequences, negatively impacting your business, workplace performance, reputation, trust, and overall health and safety.
Stay OSHA Compliant
It’s easy to avoid any and all repercussions by simply following OSHA standards; however, successful compliance requires OSHA compliance training. 360training provides a variety of compliance courses for different workplaces, including OSHA10 and OSHA30. The safer your workplace, the better you may treat your employees, enhance your operations, and prevent consequences.
