WAC 296-900-12015   Complaints.  

     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:

     • 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 doesn't 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

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. 06-06-020, § 296-900-12015, filed 2/21/06, effective 6/1/06.]