How to File a Safety and Health Complaint (U.S.)

Your health and safety rights

You have the right to:

• Receive workplace safety and health training in a language you understand
• Work on machines that are safe
• Refuse to work in a situation in which you would be exposed to a hazard
• Receive required safety equipment, such as gloves or a harness and lifeline for falls
• Be protected from toxic chemicals
• Request an OSHA* inspection, and speak to the inspector
• Report an injury or illness, and get copies of your medical records
• Review records of work-related injuries and illnesses
• See results of tests taken to find workplace hazards
• and more 

How to file a safety and health complaint with OSHA

*OSHA is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It is part of the U.S. Department of Labor. To complain to OSHA, provide information about the worksite including: 

• the name of the establishment/worksite
• the worksite address
• a description of the hazard/safety violation
• employment status
• complainant's name and contact information

You can file a safety and health complaint by:

• online form
• sending an email
• mail
• telephone
• visiting your local OSHA  office in person

The law gives employees and employee representatives the right to keep their names private from their employer when filing a complaint. Providing your name and address helps OSHA staff to communicate with you about your complaint.To file an OSHA complaint, click Learn more, below.

How to file a complaint with New York State

To report an issue regarding workplace rights, including workers forced to work against their will, lack of adequate safety equipment, employees not consistently receiving proper wages or days off, or concerns of retaliation by an employer, please complete the form linked here. You may also call the Task Force hotline at 1-888-469-7365. You can report anonymously (without giving your name).