OSHA Poster Scam
We continue to hear about and OSHA is still receiving complaints from employers who have received “official looking” announcements and — in some cases — threatening notices, messages, or telephone calls from various companies requiring that employers purchase OSHA documents from them in order to remain in compliance with OSHA rules and regulations. The most popular document being offered for sale is the OSHA Workplace Poster (also available in Spanish). OSHA has also learned of a few cases in which individuals falsely identifying themselves as Department of Labor or OSHA employees contact employers threatening fines if they do not purchase specific materials. It’s important that employers do not become victims of fraudulent solicitation practices or incur unnecessary costs where these resources are concerned.
OSHA’s publications, posters, fact sheets, etc. are available free to anyone who asks. They can be ordered through the agency’s publications office or, in most cases, downloaded directly from the publications page on the osha website.As a reminder, employers are required to continually display a poster prepared by the Department of Labor that informs employees of protections afforded under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The poster must be displayed in a conspicuous place where employees, as well as applicants for employment, can view it. Private employers may use the poster available from OSHA’s Web site, or a suitable reproduction or facsimile. If you are an OSHA State Plan state, you can order these posters from your respective State OSHA Office.
If you feel you’ve received a fraudulent solicitation, contact OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742). You can also contact any OSHA area office throughout the nation for information on specific workplace safety and health requirements. Those office addresses and phone numbers are available on the agency’s website.
