Question: What are my rights during an inspection?

Answer:

When the OSHA inspector arrives, workers and their representatives have the right to talk privately with the OSHA inspector before and after the inspection. A worker representative may also go along on the inspection. Where there is no union or employee representative, the OSHA inspector must talk confidentially with a reasonable number of workers during the course of the investigation.

Question: What are my employers' responsibilities?

Answer:

Employers have the responsibility to provide a safe workplace. See a listing of employer responsibilities.

Question: What happens after I file a complaint?

Answer:

Each complaint is evaluated by OSHA to determine whether it should be handled as an off-site investigation or an on-site inspection. Written complaints (or filed online) that are signed by workers or their representative and submitted to an OSHA area or regional office are more likely to result in on-site OSHA inspections.

Question: Can someone file a complaint for me?

Answer:

Yes, a complaint can be filed on your behalf by: an authorized representative of a labor organization or other employee bargaining unit; an attorney; any person acting as a bona fide representative, including members of the clergy, social workers, spouses and other family members; government officials or nonprofit groups; and organizations acting upon specific complaints and injuries from you or your coworkers. In addition, anyone who knows about a workplace safety or health hazard may report unsafe conditions to OSHA, and OSHA will investigate the concerns reported.

Question: What if I am injured at work?

Answer:

If you are injured, call a supervisor for help. If the supervisor is not available, get medical assistance or call 911.

All employers must notify OSHA within 8 hours of a workplace fatality or within 24 hours of any work-related inpatient hospitalization, amputation or loss of an eye. [Employers under federal OSHA's jurisdiction were required to begin reporting by Jan. 1, 2015. Establishments in a state with a state-run OSHA program may have a different implementation date].

Question: Am I covered by OSHA?

Answer:

Private Sector Workers — OSHA covers most private sector employers and workers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and other U.S. jurisdictions either directly through Federal OSHA or through an OSHA-approved state plan. State-run health and safety programs must be at least as effective as the Federal OSHA program. To find the contact information for the OSHA Federal or State Program office nearest you, see the Regional and Area Offices map.

State and Local Government Workers — Workers at state and local government agencies are not covered by Federal OSHA, but have OSH Act protections if they work in one of the states or territories that have an OSHA-approved state program.

Federal Government Workers — OSHA's protection applies to all federal agencies. Federal agencies must have a safety and health program that meet the same standards as private employers. Although OSHA does not fine federal agencies, it does monitor these agencies and conducts federal workplace inspections in response to workers' complaints.

Question: What should I do if there is a dangerous situation at work?

Answer:

If you believe working conditions are unsafe or unhealthful, you may file a complaint with OSHA concerning a hazardous working condition at any time. If possible, bring the conditions to your employer's attention. If the condition clearly presents a risk of death or serious physical harm, there is not sufficient time for OSHA to inspect, and, where possible, a worker has brought the condition to the attention of the employer, the worker may have a legal right to refuse to work in a situation in which he or she would be exposed to the hazard. If you have questions about what to do, contact your local OSHA office. We will keep your information confidential. We are here to help you.

Question: Wages, Hours Worked, Workers' Compensation, Food Safety

Answer:

OSHA regulates worker safety and health in the workplace. For questions about wages, hours worked and workers' compensation, please see applicable links. For questions about food safety for consumers, restaurant food inspections, or licensing of restaurants and grocery stores, please contact your local or county health department.

Question: What can I do if my indoor workplace is too hot or cold?

Answer:

OSHA does not require employers to provide heat or air conditioning for work spaces. OSHA does recommend temperature control in the range of 68-76°F. The qualities of good indoor air quality (IAQ) should include comfortable temperature and humidity, adequate supply of fresh outdoor air and control of pollutants from inside and outside of the building. Employers are responsible for protecting workers from temperature extremes. For additional information on this subject, see frequently asked questions about indoor air quality.

Question: Are employers required to take steps to protect workers in extreme outdoor heat?

Answer:

Employers are responsible for protecting workers from temperature extremes and should establish a complete heat illness prevention program if workers are exposed to conditions that can cause heat illness. Elements of an effective program include: providing workers with water, rest and shade; gradually increasing workloads and allow more frequent breaks for new workers to build a tolerance for working in the heat (acclimatization); modify work schedules as necessary; plan for emergencies and train workers about the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and their prevention; and monitor workers for signs of illness. For more information see OSHA's Heat Illness Prevention Campaign page.