a. Any employee, group of employees or employee representative who believes that a violation of a safety standard exists, or that an imminent danger exists, may request an inspection by giving notice to the commissioner of the violation or danger. The notice and request shall be in writing, shall set forth the grounds for the notice and shall be signed by the employee, a group of employees or an employee representative. Upon the request of the person giving the notice, his name or the name of any employee representative giving the notice shall be withheld. The commissioner shall conduct an appropriate inspection at the earliest time possible. The commissioner shall so interpret and administer this section so as to encourage any employee, group of employees or employee representative who believes that a violation of a safety standard exists, or that an imminent danger exists, to report that violation or danger in the first instance to the employer's safety officer.