OSHA Once Again Reminds Employers: Whistleblower Retaliation is Illegal

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently issued a reminder to employers across the United States that any form of retaliation against employees who blow the whistle on suspect working conditions is strictly illegal. Examples of illegal retaliation include termination, demotion, reductions in pay/hours or denials of promotions/overtime.

Workers who believe they have been retaliated against can file a whistleblower complaint with OSHA online or by calling 1-800-321-OSHA. Whistleblowers are afforded certain protections against retaliation that employers must respect.

Employer responsibilities

OSHA enforces whistleblower provisions in more than 20 different whistleblower statutes, which are designed to protect employees from all sorts of retaliation. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers are required to provide their employees with safe, healthy work environments. Employees who make reports about unsafe working conditions should be listened to, not summarily dismissed and certainly not retaliated against. It is crucial for the safety and health of all employees that these reports are taken extremely seriously.

OSHA provides important resources to workers and employers on its Whistleblower Protection Program website about worker rights and the various protections that exist for whistleblowers in various industries, as well as a variety of frequently asked questions the agency receives. OSHA enforces its standards and offers training, education and assistance for employers who need assistance in ensuring their compliance.

If you have experienced unsafe working conditions in your workplace and your employer has refused to address those conditions even after you file a report through the proper channel, it is important you properly report the issue to OSHA. Contact an experienced whistleblower lawyer at Kardell Law Group for assistance in the legal process.