OSHA Receives a Complaint

OSHA gathers information and decides whether to send a compliance office (inspector) or inform the employee about a decision not to inspect The time period for 

Within 24 hours if the complaint alleges an imminent danger. 

If violations of OSHA standards are detected then the citations will include the following information  

Copies of the citation should be posted near the location of the violation for at least three days or until the violation is abated, whichever is longer. 

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Either staff from OTPCA or the OSHA area office staff will perform an assessment of the employer s worksite when deemed necessary. OSHA will conduct site assessments when making decisions regarding the adequacy of an application and it needs further information to process an application. Site assessments are especially useful for temporary or experimental variances, or when OSHA receives employee complaints regarding a variance application. Generally, experimental variance applications will necessitate an onsite assessment to verify that the proposed experimental conditions are safe and healthful for workers. For temporary variances, the site assessment would investigate the availability of appropriate practices, means, methods, operations, and processes needed to come into compliance with the standard, as well as the ability of the employer to meet specific deadlines. 

When OSHA receives a Worker s Discrimination Complaint, OSHA will review the facts of the complaint and decide whether to conduct an investigation. If an investigation ensues, the worker and the employer will be notified of the results within 90 days. 

Speak with the OSHA inspector regarding hazards and violations during the inspection File a complaint and receive a copy of any citations issued and the time allotted for abatement Be notified by the employer if the employer applies for a variance from an OSHA standard, testify at a variance hearing, and appeal the final decision... 

For years, OSHA has been on the receiving end of considerable criticism regarding its Whistleblower Protection Program responsibilities. Since Jannary 2009, there has been a frontal assanlt from certain members of the Honse Committee on Edncation and LaboP, the General Acconnting Office, and even OSHA s Inspector General. In all fairness, OSHA lacks the staff, money and resonrces to adequately respond to the thonsands of whistleblower complaints received each year. 

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