Reporting an OSHA Violation

Workplace Safety and OSHA

Any time your employer creates an unsafe workplace for you and/or your coworkers, you have the right to call the OSHA number for violation reporting and file a complaint with OSHA. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was established under the United States Department of Labor in 1970. OSHA was created to help ensure safe and healthy working conditions for all Americans. From establishing and enforcing regulations to providing training and education for employers and their workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 covers all private-sector employees and some public-sector employees.

If you or someone you know has been injured due to the negligence of an employer who has failed to provide safe and healthy working conditions, there are many opportunities available to you at www.osha.gov.

What OSHA Number Do I Call to Report Violations?

You can call the OSHA number 800-321-6742 (OSHA) to report OSHA violations. You may also call to discuss the following:

• Ask safety and health questions
• Emergency situations
• Filing a complaint
• Reporting Safety and health violations
• Reporting Unsafe working conditions

To find the best OSHA number to call, see our downloadable Texas OSHA Area Office Information Sheet.

What Happens When I File an OSHA Complaint?

When you file an OSHA complaint, you are requesting an OSHA inspector to investigate your workplace with the goal of determining if there is a serious hazard or OSHA standard your employer has failed to maintain. This does not mean you have to prove your employer has violated any regulations, just that you feel negligence is taking place. According to the OSHA website, a complaint “should be filed as soon as possible after noticing the hazard or lack of compliance because OSHA citations may only be issued for violations that currently exist or existed in the past 6 months.” It is up to OSHA whether they decide to investigate.

What Are the Time Limits for Reporting OSHA Violations?

OSHA will generally only investigate violation claims and consider issuing a citation if they are notified within 6 months of the violation. So you want to call the OSHA number and file as soon as possible.

Other Deadlines for Work Injuries

work injury incident reportIf you are injured by a negligent employer and fail to report it within the 6-month time period required for worker’s compensation claims, you may still be able to file a work injury claim. The 6-month time period allotted by OSHA only applies to one’s ability to report a specific violation and have their employer cited. If your employer had no worker’s compensation covering you at the time of the incident, you can still make a work injury claim un until your state’s statute of limitations runs. If you were injured due to the negligence of someone other than your employer or coworkers, such as a contractor from another company, or a non-employee driver, then you may have a claim against them as well. Sometimes, there are even product liability claims that can be made following an on-the-job injury.

While it varies from state to state, in the State of Texas, the statute of limitations on personal injury claims is generally two years from the date that the cause of action occurs. For more information on the statute of limitations for a work injury outside of Texas, check out our webpage on personal injury statute of limitations in the 50 states.

Workplace Hazards Regulated by OSHA

Unfortunately, there have been many instances of workplace hazards that signify the need for workplace safety improvements. OSHA will investigate and issue citations to negligent employers who receive complaints of things like inadequate fall protection or unsafe forklift operating practices.

Injuries in the workplace are complex for a variety of reasons. Whether it is not being able to continue working or not being able to pay for your medical expenses, the best way to ensure you are fully protected is to speak to a work injury attorney as soon as possible. At Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., we provide free case evaluations for injured workers. If you or someone you love has been injured due to the negligence of an employer, call (713) 932-0777 today to speak with one of our work injury attorneys.

What Are the Texas OSHA Office Phone Numbers?

If you are injured in a specific region of Texas and want to speak to someone at an OSHA area office, the Texas area  OSHA numbers are as follows:
• Austin: (512) 374-0271
• Corpus Christi: (361) 888-3420
• Dallas: (972) 952-1330
• El Paso: (915) 534-6251
• Fort Worth: (817) 428-2470
• North Houston: (936) 760-3800
• South Houston: (281) 286-0583
• Lubbock: (806) 472-7681
• San Antonio: (210) 472-5040

Houston OSHA Violation Lawyers

Because employers are not required to carry workers’ compensation insurance in Texas, work injuries can be difficult to navigate. When you have been injured due to a negligent employer, do not handle your claim alone. Call (713) 932-0777 for a free consultation with a work injury lawyer or visit our work accidents page for more information. At Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., we have been serving injured workers in the greater Houston area since 1979. Contact us today to learn more about your rights.

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