PDFWAC 296-900-12015
Complaints.
(1) Employees or employee representatives may file a written complaint if they believe they have been exposed to a hazard that is a violation of WISHA safety and health requirements.
What to expect from WISHA:
(2) After receiving a written complaint from an employee or employee representative, WISHA reviews the allegations and responds according to Table 2, WISHA Responses to Employee Complaints.
Table 2
WISHA Responses to Employee Complaints
For this determination: | WISHA will take the following actions: | |
The complaint is within WISHA jurisdiction and an inspection does not appear to be needed at this time | • • | Call the employer to discuss the complaint Set a deadline for the employer to respond in writing |
• | Fax or mail a complaint notification letter to the employer. Before the complaint is faxed or mailed, the following names will be removed unless specific permission is given to include them: | |
– | The name of the person submitting the complaint | |
– | The names of any employees identified in the complaint | |
• | Evaluate the employer's response, and do one of the following: | |
– | Close the complaint because the issues have been addressed, and send a copy of the employer's response to the person filing the complaint | |
– | Inspect the workplace | |
Note: | ||
• | If the complaint is closed and additional information is received from the person filing the complaint disputing the employer's written response, WISHA may schedule an inspection | |
• | If the person who filed the original complaint requests in writing that WISHA review a decision not to conduct an inspection, WISHA will review the decision and notify the person in writing of the results | |
• | If the person requesting the review is not satisfied with the results of the review, they may request a second review by the assistant director or designee | |
The complaint is within WISHA jurisdiction and an inspection needs to be conducted | • • | Conduct an inspection Issue a citation and notice that shows one of the following: |
– | Violations found | |
– | No violations were found | |
• | Send a letter to the person filing the complaint with inspection results | |
Reference: For citation and notice information, turn to citation and notice, WAC 296-900-130 | ||
The complaint is not within WISHA jurisdiction | • | Send a written response to the person filing the complaint explaining the matter is not within WISHA jurisdiction |
Note: WISHA may make a referral to the proper authority | ||