The best way to ensure that OSHA will conduct a site inspection if you think a hazard is serious is to file a formal complaint with OSHA. Workers or their representatives can submit a written complaint requesting an on-site inspection, and OSHA gives high priority to complaints alleging serious hazards that could cause death or serious physical harm. Complaints can be filed anonymously to protect the complainant's identity
. Key points to ensure OSHA prioritizes the inspection include:
- Clearly describe the serious hazard and explain why it poses an imminent danger or risk of severe injury or death.
- Submit the complaint in writing to OSHA, either online, by mail, or by fax.
- Request an on-site inspection explicitly in the complaint.
- Provide as much detail as possible about the location, nature of the hazard, and any incidents or injuries related to it.
OSHA prioritizes inspections in this order: imminent danger situations, severe injuries or fatalities, worker complaints, referrals from other agencies, targeted inspections in high-risk industries, and follow-ups
. Imminent danger hazards that could cause death or serious harm receive the highest priority and typically trigger an immediate inspection. Therefore, to best ensure OSHA conducts a site inspection for a serious hazard, file a detailed written complaint requesting an inspection, emphasizing the hazard’s severity and potential for immediate harm
