How to Report Workplace Issues: The Complete U.S. Worker Rights Guide

Quick answer: Report workplace harassment and discrimination to the EEOC at eeoc.gov or 1-800-669-4000 within 180 days. Report wage theft to the U.S. Department of Labor at dol.gov/agencies/whd or 1-866-487-9243. Report safety hazards to OSHA at 1-800-321-6742. Employers cannot legally retaliate against you for filing any of these reports.

U.S. workers are protected by an overlapping set of federal and state laws covering wages, safety, discrimination, and retaliation. Many workers don’t report violations because they fear losing their jobs — but anti-retaliation provisions in virtually every workplace protection law make it illegal for employers to fire, demote, or threaten employees for reporting violations. Filing a complaint is your legal right.

Workplace Harassment and Discrimination

The EEOC enforces Title VII, the ADA, ADEA, and other federal anti-discrimination laws. You must file with the EEOC before you can sue in federal court. The filing deadline is 180 days from the discriminatory act (300 days in states with their own anti-discrimination agencies). EEOC charges are free to file.

Wage Theft and Unpaid Wages

Wage theft is the single largest theft category in the U.S. — larger than all robberies combined. It includes unpaid overtime, minimum wage violations, illegal deductions, tip theft, misclassification as independent contractors, and off-the-clock work demands. The DOL Wage & Hour Division recovers hundreds of millions in back wages annually for workers.

Workplace Safety Violations

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) enforces federal workplace safety standards. You can file an OSHA complaint online, by phone, or anonymously. OSHA must investigate formal written complaints. Employers cannot retaliate against workers who report safety concerns — retaliation is itself a serious OSHA violation.

Retaliation and Whistleblower Protections

Over 20 federal laws protect workers who report violations from retaliation. Depending on the law involved, you may have as few as 30 days to file a retaliation complaint. Always file quickly — retaliation deadlines are strict.

Employer Tax and Benefits Fraud

How to Report a Workplace Violation: Step by Step

1. Document everything in writing. Emails, performance reviews, schedules, pay stubs, text messages, witness names. Date and describe every incident.
2. Report internally first (usually). Most employers have an HR department or complaint process. Using it first demonstrates good faith and may trigger employer obligations. Exception: if HR is the problem, go directly to EEOC or DOL.
3. Know your deadlines. EEOC charges must be filed within 180 days (300 in many states). OSHA retaliation within 30 days. Wage claims vary by state but can be as short as 2 years. Don’t wait.
4. File with the EEOC for discrimination and harassment at eeoc.gov or 1-800-669-4000. Intake interviews are free and can be done by phone.
5. File with the DOL Wage & Hour Division for unpaid wages at dol.gov/agencies/whd or 1-866-487-9243. They investigate and recover back wages at no cost to you.
6. File with OSHA for safety violations at osha.gov/workers/file-complaint or 1-800-321-6742. Complaints can be made anonymously.
7. File with your state labor department (listed below). State agencies often move faster than federal ones and may provide stronger remedies under state law.
8. Consult an employment attorney. Many take workplace cases on contingency. Retaliation and wage theft claims can include back pay, compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees.

Federal Workplace Protection Agencies

All 50 State Labor Departments

State labor departments enforce state wage laws, workplace safety rules, and often have their own anti-discrimination agencies. Many states have higher minimum wages and stronger overtime protections than federal law. File with your state agency in addition to the relevant federal agency for maximum protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Independent resource — not affiliated with any U.S. government agency. Last reviewed: June 2026.