You have a right to expect your employer to provide you with a safe working environment. Even when your job is dangerous by nature, your employer should do everything possible to reduce potential hazards.
If you feel there is a safety issue your employer refuses to address even after you bring it to their attention, then you have every right to report it to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
File a complaint
You can go to the OSHA website to easily file a complaint about a safety issue in your workplace. You also can call, fax or mail in a complaint form. When you do this, it will trigger an inspection and investigation. Your employer does not have to know you filed the complaint.
You do not need to know for sure your employer is violating any law or doing something wrong. You can file a complaint if you feel your safety is at risk needlessly. OSHA inspectors will determine if your employer is doing anything wrong.
Maintain privacy
You do not have to reveal your name when filing a complaint. If you do, OSHA will keep it private. Your employer cannot do anything to you, such as firing you or reducing your hours, for reporting the safety issue. You have special protections against this type of retaliation.
It is everyone’s job to keep workplaces safe and free from hazards. If your employer is slacking on ensuring your work area is secure, then you have every right to bring in OSHA to assist with making your employer improve conditions according to the law.
