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Report Violations
You have rights and protections when reporting workplace violations
Recognize Common Violations
Age & Hour Violations
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Working during school hours
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Working past allowed times (7pm/9pm)
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Working too many hours per week
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No work permit when required
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Working under minimum age for job
Hazardous Work Violations
Operating dangerous machinery
Using sharp knives/blades (under 16)
Working on roofs or ladders
Driving vehicles or forklifts
Handling chemicals or explosives
Pay Violations
Paid below minimum wage
Not paid for all hours worked
Required to work "off the clock"
Tips withheld illegally
No overtime pay when required
Safety Violations
No safety training provided
Unsafe working conditions
No protective equipment
Exposure to extreme temperatures
Harassment or abuse
Need Legal Help?
Free legal assistance is available if you need help with your case or have questions about your rights.
Legal resources specifically for young workers
Connect with pro bono lawyers and legal aid programs
Document Everything
If safe to do so, strong documentation makes your case stronger. Save copies in a safe place outside of work.
DATE
Maintain a Detailed Log
Record dates, times, incident descriptions, witnesses present, and relevant conversations
PHOTO
Visual Documentation
Photograph unsafe conditions, equipment, and time records when permissible
COMPENSATION
Preserve Payroll Records
Retain all pay stubs, timesheets, and work schedules
DOCUMENTS
Save Employment Documents
Keep work permits, job descriptions, employee handbooks, and official notices
MESSAGES
Preserve Communications
Archive text messages, emails, and written directives from supervisors
TESTIMONY
Document Witnesses
Note names of colleagues who observed violations and may provide supporting testimony
Age & Hour Violations
Department of Labor - Wage and Hour Division (WHD)
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Phone: 1-866-4-US-WAGE (1-866-487-9243)
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In Person: Find local office at www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/contact/local-offices
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What they handle: Child labor violations, wage theft, hour violations, retaliation
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Can be anonymous: Yes, you can request confidentiality
Age & Hour Violations
​
Age & Hour Violations
-
Working during school hours
-
Working past allowed times (7pm/9pm)
-
Working too many hours per week
-
No work permit when required
-
Working under minimum age for job
Age & Hour Violations
-
Working during school hours
-
Working past allowed times (7pm/9pm)
-
Working too many hours per week
-
No work permit when required
-
Working under minimum age for job
Age & Hour Violations
-
Working during school hours
-
Working past allowed times (7pm/9pm)
-
Working too many hours per week
-
No work permit when required
-
Working under minimum age for job
Decide if You Can Talk to Your Employer First
Consider this option if:
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You feel safe doing so
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The violation seems unintentional
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You have a good relationship with management
Skip this step if:
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You feel unsafe or threatened
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The violation is serious or ongoing
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You've already tried and nothing changed
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Your employer is aware and doesn't care
File a Federal Complaint
Department of Labor - Wage and Hour Division (WHD)
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Phone: 1-866-4-US-WAGE (1-866-487-9243)
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In-Person: Find local office at www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/contact/local-offices
What they handle: Child labor violations, wage theft, hour violations, retaliation
Can be anonymous: Yes, you can request confidentiality
Report Safety Violations (If Applicable)
OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Administration
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Phone: 1-800-321-6742
What they handle: Unsafe working conditions, dangerous equipment, exposure to hazards
Can be anonymous: Yes
File a State Complaint
Many states have their own labor departments with stronger protections than federal law.
Use the state selector below to find your state's reporting information.
Consider Additional Support
Depending on your situation, you may also want to contact:
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School counselor or teacher (they're mandatory reporters)
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Legal aid organization in your area
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Worker advocacy groups
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Your local news (media attention can help)
How to Report: Step-by-Step
Federal Reporting Contacts
You Are Protected from Retaliation
Federal law protects you from retaliation for reporting violations. It is ILLEGAL for your employer to:
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Fire you for reporting violations or cooperating with investigations
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Reduce your hours or pay in response to a complaint
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Threaten you about immigration status or call authorities
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Harass or intimidate you after you report
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Blacklist you from future employment
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Give you a bad reference because you reported violations
If your employer retaliates against you, report that too! It's a separate violation with its own penalties.
Important Things to Know
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You don't need a lawyer to report - complaints are free and the government investigates
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Immigration status doesn't matter - you have rights regardless of status, and DOL won't report you to immigration
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You can report anonymously - though providing contact info helps your case
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There's no deadline for most reports - but sooner is better for wage claims (2-3 year limits)
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You don't need "proof" - investigators will gather evidence, your report is enough to start
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You can quit anytime - you don't need permission from employer or parents to quit an unsafe job