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Illinois OSHA Instructions
This form is provided for the assistance of any complainant and is not intended to constitute the exclusive means by which a complaint may be registered with Illinois Department of Labor – Illinois OSHA.
Section 70 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act [820 ILCS 219], provides as follows: An employee or representative of employees who believes that a violation of an occupational safety and health standard exists in a workplace covered by this Act or that an imminent danger exists in such a place may request an inspection by submitting a written complaint to the Director or his or her authorized representative setting forth with reasonable particularity the grounds for the complaint. The complaint shall be signed by the employee or representative. If the Director or the Director's authorized representative determines there are no reasonable grounds to believe that a violation or imminent danger exists, he or she shall notify the employee or representative of employees of that determination in writing. If, upon receipt of the complaint, the Director or his or her authorized representative determines there are reasonable grounds to believe that a violation or imminent danger exists, he or she shall make a special inspection of the workplace in accordance with this Act, as soon as practicable, to determine whether a violation or imminent danger exists. A copy of the complaint shall be provided to the public employer or its agent by the Director or his or her authorized representative at the time of the inspection, except that, upon the request of the person making the complaint, that person's name and the names of individual employees referred to in the complaint shall not appear in the copy or on any record published, released, or made available by the Director or his or her authorized representative. Nonformal safety and health complaints shall be handled by an authorized representative of the Director. Based on the severity and legitimacy of the complaint as determined by the Division, the Director's authorized representative shall either schedule an inspection of the workplace or issue a letter to the employer stating the allegations set forth in the complaint.
Note:
Section 110 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act provides explicit protection for employees exercising their rights, including making safety and health complaints.
Punishment for Unlawful Statements
It is unlawful to make any false statement, representation or certification in any document filed pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health Act, Section 120(c). Violations can be charged with a Class 4 felony.