Online Complaint Forms for OSHA Whistle-blowers

OSHA Whistle-blowers Can File Complaints Online

Whistle-blowers covered by one of 22 statutes administered by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration are able to file complaints online. The online form provides workers who have been retaliated against an additional way to reach out for OSHA assistance online.

"The ability of workers to speak out and exercise their rights without fear of retaliation provides the backbone for some of American workers' most essential protections," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. "Whistle-blower laws protect not only workers, but also the public at large and now workers will have an additional avenue available to file a complaint with OSHA."

Workers can make complaints to OSHA by filing a written complaint or by calling the agency's 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) number or an OSHA regional or area office. Workers are also able to electronically submit a whistle-blower complaint to OSHA by visiting www.osha.gov/whistleblower/WBComplaint.html.

The online form prompts the worker to include basic whistle-blower complaint information so they can be easily contacted for follow-up. Complaints are automatically routed to the appropriate regional whistle-blower investigators. In addition, the complaint form can also be downloaded and submitted to the agency in hard-copy format by fax, mail or hand-delivery. The paper version is identical to the electronic version and requests the same information necessary to initiate a whistle-blower investigation.

OSHA enforces the whistle-blower provisions of 22 statutes protecting employees who report violations of various securities laws, trucking, airline, nuclear power, pipeline, environmental, rail, public transportation, workplace safety and health, and consumer protection laws. Detailed information on employee whistle-blower rights, including fact sheets and instructions on how to submit the form in hard-copy format, is available online at www.whistleblowers.gov.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.