Know Your Rights

Federal law gives you the right to work in a safe place. Your employer must keep the workplace free from known safety and health hazards. You can speak up or report safety concerns without being punished or treated unfairly. You also 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

How to File a Complaint

Safety and Health Complaint
If you think your workplace is unsafe or unhealthy, you can file a confidential complaint with OSHA and ask them to inspect it. If you can, try telling your employer about the problem first. They may be able to fix it quickly.

Report a Safety and Health Concern  

Whistleblower Rights
It is illegal for an employer to fire, demote, transfer, or otherwise retaliate against a worker for complaining to OSHA. If you believe your employer retaliated against you for using your rights under OSHA’s whistleblower protection laws, you can file a whistleblower complaint within 30 days of the retaliation.

How to File a Whistleblower Complaint  

Contact OSHA

To talk about safety and health issues at work, contact OSHA toll-free at 1-800-321-6742 (OSHA), Ask OSHA a question, or find your nearest federal or State Plan office.