Work and business
Who handles an unsafe workplace?
Who handles it
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) takes most workplace safety complaints. Your state department of labor also enforces state safety laws.
- Federal
- State
- Not Local
Facts checked November 5, 2026 · 2 sources
Why federal and state government
Most private workplaces fall under OSHA or an OSHA-approved state plan. Some industries, such as aviation, interstate trucking, and mining, have their own federal safety regulators.
What to do next
- If anyone is in danger, call 911.
- File a complaint with OSHA online, by phone, or through a local OSHA office, or with the agency for your industry.
- If your employer punishes you for reporting a hazard, report it to the U.S. Department of Labor.
In your state
Find your state’s official offices on our state pages.
What varies
Each state’s department of labor enforces its own workplace safety laws and also protects people who work for state and local governments.
Sources
Official recordUSAGov: Where to report workplace safety violations
Official recordU.S. Department of Labor: Workplace safety and health