Formal complaints require a written, signed current-employee or employee-representative submission alleging a workplace hazard. Non-formal complaints have separate processing routes. The representative definition extends beyond attorneys and unions; affected-employee authorization should be checked. A safety complaint, an inspection request, walkaround participation and a retaliation complaint are separate issues.
FOM Chapter 9, I.A.7 includes “Any other person acting in a bona fide representative capacity.” Employee authorization remains a factual question. The manual describes agency procedure; it does not itself create enforceable private rights.
Official source links checked October 11, 2026. The directive identifies the base manual as effective April 14, 2020. Source rules should be read in their full context.