OSHA guidance gives McDonald’s workers clear steps to report hazards

Federal workplace safety guidance lays out concrete routes for employees who encounter unsafe conditions at restaurants, including how to alert employers, when to ask for an inspection, and how to file confidential complaints. The resources include a restaurant focused Young Worker Safety in Restaurants eTool that highlights common hazards such as hot oil, burns, slips, and lack of personal protective equipment, and explains prevention steps tailored for teens and first time workers.

The guidance also directs workers to practical workflows. The FAQ titled "If my workplace is unsafe, what can I do?" describes informal options for raising concerns inside a workplace and formal complaint pathways when those steps fail. The "How to File a Complaint" page offers online filing, links to local offices, and confidentiality options. OSHA provides contact numbers and state and local office links for employees who prefer to report by phone or need help navigating protections for whistleblowers and those who believe they have faced retaliation.

For McDonald’s crew members this guidance changes the power dynamic in the workplace by clarifying rights and remedies. Many restaurants employ young and novice workers who may not recognize the safest way to handle fryers, carry hot items, or scope slip risks. Knowing how and when to seek an inspection or file a confidential complaint reduces the risk that hazards will go unaddressed and offers legal protections if an employee is punished for reporting.

Human resources, operations, and safety leaders should incorporate the OSHA workflows into incident response procedures, training modules, and non retaliation policies to ensure consistent handling of reports. Employees should document hazards, attempt employer notification when safe, and use confidential reporting channels available through OSHA if internal remedies do not resolve the issue. Clear policies and routine training aligned with OSHA guidance can help prevent injuries and reduce conflict when safety concerns arise.