ENFORCEMENT PROGRAMS
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970(the Act), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is authorized to conduct workplace inspections and investigations to determine whether employers are complying with standards issued by the agency for safe and healthful workplaces. OSHA also enforces Section 5(a)(1) of the Act, known as the “General Duty Clause,” which requires that every working man and woman must be provided with a safe and healthful workplace. Workplace inspections and investigations are conducted by OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officers, professionals trained in the disciplines of safety and occupational health. VIDOSH utilizes the Field Operations Manual (FOM) with modifications specific for territorial government enforcement.
OSHA provides employers and employees the right to file a complaint and requests an OSHA inspection of their workplace if they believe there is a serious safety and/or health hazard. Additionally, complainants have the right to request that their names be held confidential.
Options for filling safety and health complaints are as follows:
- Telephone – VIDOSH staff can discuss your complaint, emergency, or life-threatening hazards, and respond to any questions you may have at (340) 713-3414 or (340) 773-1994. For after-hour emergencies, please contact the OSHA Regional Office at 1-800-321-OSHA.
- Online Complaint – Click on the link to access the OSHA Online Complaint Form. If you select the signature box; your submission shall be considered an authorized written signature. Signed complaints are considered formal complaints and are more likely to result in onsite OSHA inspections. Please include your name, address, and telephone number so we can contact you to follow up. This information is confidential.
- Download and Fax/Mail – Download the OSHA complaint form [En Espanol] (or request a copy from VIDOSH) then fax or mail it back to VIDOSH. Written complaints that are signed and submitted are considered formal complaints and are more likely to result in onsite OSHA inspections. Please include your name, address, and telephone number so we can contact you to follow up. This information is confidential.