Understanding Unsafe Working Conditions & How To Report Them

What “Unsafe Working Conditions” Means

Unsafe working conditions are hazards or situations in the workplace that could reasonably cause injury, illness, or death. These can include exposure to toxic chemicals, lack of required personal protective equipment, unguarded machinery, excessive heat, or structural dangers.

Employers are legally required to provide workplaces free from recognized hazards under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, which created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The law applies to most private-sector jobs and many public-sector jobs, and it sets workplace safety and health standards that employers must meet.

You Have the Right to File a Complaint Under Federal Law

If you believe your workplace presents a risk of serious physical harm to its employees, you have clear rights:

• You can file a confidential complaint with OSHA. This allows you to request an inspection of your workplace without fear of retaliation.
• You can refuse to perform work that exposes you to potentially hazardous materials or unsafe conditions if those conditions pose an imminent danger to your health.
• If your employer retaliates against you for reporting unsafe working conditions, you may file a whistleblower complaint. Federal law protects employees from being fired, demoted, or otherwise punished for exercising workplace safety rights. 

These protections ensure workers aren’t discouraged from standing up for safer workplaces.

Reporting Unsafe Working Conditions

If you encounter hazardous work conditions, you can take several steps to report them and trigger a government response.

Report the Hazard Internally First

Your employer should have a policy for reporting workplace safety concerns. Start by telling your supervisor, safety officer, or human resources department about the danger. Your employer can quickly resolve the situation, potentially avoiding the need for external reporting.

Document What You See

Take notes and, if possible, photos of what makes the workplace dangerous. Record when you first noticed the workplace hazard, the number of workers exposed, and any injuries or illnesses that have occurred because of the condition. This documentation helps regulators understand what needs attention. 

File a Complaint with OSHA

If your employer does not address the hazard or you believe reporting internally won’t solve the problem, you can file a health complaint with OSHA. There are several ways to do this:

• Online using the official OSHA complaint form. This lets you specify the location, description of hazards, and any supporting information. 
• Phone by calling OSHA’s toll‑free number at 1‑800‑321‑OSHA (6742) to speak with a representative.
• Email, Mail, or Fax by filing a complaint form and sending it to your local OSHA office. 
• In Person by visiting your local OSHA office.

You don’t need to know the exact OSHA standard that’s being violated; just describe the unsafe or unhealthy conditions. OSHA can interpret your concerns and decide whether an inspection is required. 

You Can Report Anonymously

If you fear retaliation, you may file a complaint requesting confidentiality. OSHA will keep your identity private when possible, though providing contact information can help OSHA follow up with questions. 

Follow Up and Cooperate with Inspectors

Once your complaint is filed, OSHA may inspect to verify the conditions. You or your representative can participate in the process, offer additional evidence, and speak privately with inspectors about hazards. 

State-Level Reporting Options

In addition to federal OSHA, many states operate their own OSHA‑approved programs with similar reporting procedures. These state agencies handle safety complaints for workplaces covered under their plans. You can typically find your state labor or safety agency online for local reporting instructions.

Some states also allow you to submit safety complaints directly to state departments of labor or public employee safety bureaus if your job falls outside federal OSHA standards. For example, public sector workers in Pennsylvania can report unsafe conditions to the state Department of Labor & Industry. 

What Happens After You Make a Formal Complaint with OSHA

Once OSHA receives a safety complaint and determines it’s valid, it may conduct an inspection. Following an inspection, OSHA can require your employer to:

• Correct hazardous conditions.
• Pay fines or penalties for workplace safety violations.
• Face follow‑up inspections to ensure hazards are eliminated.

Employees can usually request a copy of the inspection results. If OSHA decides not to inspect, it will notify the complainant. 

Retaliation and Whistleblower Protections

Federal law prohibits employers from retaliating against workers for reporting unsafe working conditions or participating in OSHA investigations. Retaliation can include firing, demotion, or harassment. If you believe you’ve been punished for exercising your rights, you can file a whistleblower complaint with OSHA.

These protections help ensure workers can advocate for safer workplaces without facing adverse employment consequences.

Dangerous Working Conditions and Workers’ Compensation

If you aren’t provided with personal protective equipment and an unsafe working condition causes injury or illness, you may also have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation is separate from OSHA reporting and can provide wage replacement and medical benefits if a person is hurt on the job.

Contact a Lawyer for Additional Information on Filing a Complaint for Unsafe Working Conditions

Understanding how to report unsafe working conditions empowers you to protect your health and the health of your coworkers. Start by raising concerns with your employer, address any risks you observe, and don’t hesitate to involve OSHA or your state safety agency when health hazards aren’t corrected. Your actions can prompt inspections and corrective measures and prevent injuries, providing a safer workplace for everyone.

If you’re dealing with injuries or illnesses caused by dangerous working conditions, you may have multiple legal options, including workers’ compensation claims. Pond Lehocky has experienced legal counsel ready to help you through the process. Contact us today to see how we can help you address your concerns about unsafe work conditions.