OSHA's Safety & Health Role in Wisconsin

The US Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (USDOL/OSHA) is the federal agency that oversees workplace health and safety, enforces standards and provides worker and employer training and other education resources. In Wisconsin, OSHA has jurisdiction over safety rules and regulations for private-sector employers.

OSHA Help & Resources

Worker Safety & Health Rights and Protections

In Wisconsin, workers who are concerned that their employer is not keeping their workplace safe have several options. As with any workplace safety and health concerns and guidance, the first source of information and guidance resides with the employer. Employees can reach out to their Immediate Supervisor; Site Safety and Health/EHS Manager, and/or Human Resources Representative; Site Operations Manager or Supervisor; or Employer Division/Corporate Safety and Health/EHS Manager, and/or Human Resources policy makers.

In Wisconsin, workers at private-sector employers also may file a complaint with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Wisconsin's private-sector workplace safety complaint and health/safety enforcement systems are administered under the federal government's jurisdiction. For more information: OSHA Worker Rights and Protections | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Public-sector workers in Wisconsin are generally (and minimally) covered under the same Federal OSHA Private sector regulations; however, these are administered through or in partnership with the State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services and Department of Administration. State Agencies may also have expanded State specific safety and health regulations which may also need to be considered (ie, Wisc DOJ, DHS, DNR, DWD, DATCP etc.)