Michael Peeples

OSHA's Personal Protective Equipment standard (29 CFR 1910.133 for general industry, 1926.102 for construction) requires employers to provide eye and face protection when workers are exposed to flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids, chemical gases, and potentially injurious light radiation. The standard requires that PPE meet ANSI Z87.1 criteria. Employers must assess workplace hazards and select appropriate eye protection, safety glasses, goggles, or face shields depending on the specific hazard. Failure to provide required eye protection is one of OSHA's most frequently cited violations.

After an employer reports a severe injury, OSHA decides whether to conduct an on-site inspection. Fatalities and amputations typically trigger automatic inspections. For hospitalizations and eye loss events, OSHA may conduct a phone/fax investigation or an on-site inspection based on the circumstances. During an inspection, OSHA compliance officers assess the accident scene, interview witnesses, review safety records, and identify violations. Citations and penalties may be issued. OSHA also works with the employer to abate hazardous conditions. All inspection results are published in OSHA's public inspection database at osha.gov.

You can file an OSHA complaint online at osha.gov/workers/file-complaint, by calling 1-800-321-OSHA (1-800-321-6742), or by visiting your local OSHA area office. Complaints can be filed anonymously. OSHA prioritizes formal written complaints from workers. If you believe an imminent danger exists, call OSHA immediately, they are required to investigate immediately when there is reasonable grounds to believe imminent danger exists. Workers are protected from retaliation for filing complaints under Section 11(c) of the OSH Act; if you experience retaliation, file a separate complaint within 30 days of the adverse action.