Cal/OSHA safety and health complaint handling simplified process

  1. Complaint filed with Cal/OSHA
    When filing a complaint you have the option to give your name or not - Cal/OSHA is required by law to keep your name confidential

  2. Cal/OSHA determines if complaint is valid

  3. Cal/OSHA classifies complaint to determine its inspection priority:

    • 3A. Imminent hazard complaints are investigated immediately
      If an inspection can't be conducted immediately, Cal/OSHA verifies the nature/extent of hazard and requires steps be taken to protect the health and safety of employees
      • 3A1. Copies of any citations issued sent to the complainant
      • 3A2. If no citations issued complainant receives letter stating no violations found

    • 3B. Formal complaints alleging serious hazards are investigated by inspection of the workplace within three working days of receiving complaint
      • 3B1. Copies of any citations issued sent to the complainant
      • 3B2. If no citations issued complainant receives letter stating no violations found

    • 3C. Formal complaints alleging nonserious hazards are investigated by inspection of the workplace within 14 calendar days of receiving complaint
      • 3C1. Copies of any citations issued sent to the complainant
      • 3C2. If no citations issued complainant receives letter stating no violations found

    • 3D. Nonformal complaints alleging serious hazards are investigated within 14 calendar days by telephone contact instead of an onsite inspection with certain exceptions
      • 3D1. Cal/OSHA follows up phone contact with complaint notification letter within three working days
        • 3D1a. Employer posts letter where employees can review it for at least three working days or until hazard is corrected
        • 3D1b. Employer sends Cal/OSHA letter describing results of their investigation of the complaint and actions taken within 14 calendar days
        • 3D1c. If Cal/OSHA doesn't receive response to complaint notification letter from employer they may conduct on-site inspection
        • 3D1d. If employer's response is unsatisfactory for any reason Cal/OSHA conducts onsite inspection
        • 3D1e. Cal/OSHA sends notification of actions taken to complainant if they gave their name and address
      • 3D2. If telephone contact cannot be made with the employer within 14 calendar days Cal/OSHA will conduct an onsite inspection
        • 3D2a. Cal/OSHA sends notification of actions taken to complainant if they gave their name and address

    • 3E. Nonformal complaints alleging nonserious (general or regulatory) hazards are investigated by sending a letter requiring the employer to conduct an investigation and correct any hazards discovered

      • 3E1. Employer posts letter where employees can review it for at least three working days or until hazard is corrected
      • 3E2. Employer sends Cal/OSHA letter describing results of their investigation of the complaint and actions taken within 14 calendar days
      • 3E3. If employer's response is unsatisfactory for any reason Cal/OSHA conducts onsite inspection
      • 3E4. Cal/OSHA sends notification of actions taken to complainant if they gave their name and address