Unsafe at Work, File an OSHA Complaint, Anonymous Is Allowed
If your workplace is unsafe, you can file a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and you can do it anonymously: OSHA says workers or their representatives have the right to file a confidential safety and health complaint and request an OSHA inspection if they believe there’s a serious hazard. You can file orally or in writing in any language.
File as soon as possible after you notice the hazard: OSHA can’t issue violations for incidents that happened more than six months earlier. If your employer retaliates against you for complaining, you file a separate retaliation complaint, with deadlines of 30 to 180 days depending on the statute.
How to file
OSHA explains (OSHA file a complaint):
- Online: fill out OSHA’s online complaint form.
- Fax, mail or email: complete the complaint form or a letter and send it to your local OSHA office.
- Phone: call your local OSHA office or 800-321-6742; OSHA staff can discuss your complaint and answer questions.
- In person: visit your local OSHA office.
Anonymity, confidentiality and language
- You can stay anonymous: safety and health complaints can be filed anonymously.
- Signed complaints are more likely to get an inspection: OSHA says a signed complaint is more likely to result in an onsite inspection.
- Any language: oral or written complaints can be in any language.
Deadlines
- Safety and health complaints: the deadline is less than six months, so file as soon as you notice the hazard; OSHA can’t issue violations for incidents more than six months old.
- Retaliation complaints: if you believe your employer retaliated against you for complaining, you can file with OSHA within 30 to 180 days, depending on the statute.
For minimum wage and overtime, see Federal Minimum Wage Is $7.25, Overtime After 40 Hours; for the forms on your first day at work, see New Job, I-9 Within 3 Days, Nonresidents Mark Single on W-4.
What this article did not check
- Whether immigration status affects a complaint: this OSHA page doesn’t say, so this article doesn’t either.
- What to do in immediate danger: this page doesn’t say; if someone is hurt or life is at risk, call 911 first.
- What happens after you file: this page doesn’t say, and this article did not check.
Frequently asked questions
Can I complain without my boss knowing it was me?
You can file anonymously. OSHA also says a signed complaint is more likely to result in an onsite inspection.
Can I file if my English isn’t good?
Yes. OSHA says oral or written complaints can be in any language.
What if my hours are cut or I’m fired after complaining?
You can file a retaliation complaint with OSHA within 30 to 180 days, depending on the statute.
What’s the phone number?
800-321-6742, or call your local OSHA office.
Sources and dates checked
All checked on 2026-10-30. This article is not legal advice.
- OSHA, File a Complaint (no update date on the page):https://www.osha.gov/workers/file-complaint