A “whistleblower” is a person who informs about illegal, unsafe, or unhealthy activities that another person, group, company, or organization is doing. OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Program enforces the provisions of more than 20 laws protecting employees from retaliation for reporting workplace concerns, hazards, or violations. OSHA Whistleblower protections extend to laws and statues concerning workplace safety and health, and many other areas. Each statute that OSHA enforces has a specific time frame in which a complaint can be filed.
Examples of Retaliatory Actions
Retaliation is an adverse action against an employee under one of the more than 20 laws and statutes protecting whistleblowers. Retaliation can involve several types of actions, including:
- Firing or laying off, demoting, Denying overtime or promotion;
- Disciplining, denying benefits, failing to hire or rehire;
- Intimidating, harassing, making threats;
- Reassigning to a less desirable position, affecting promotion prospects; and
- Reducing pay or hours.
Filing a Complaint
An employee can file a complaint by visiting or calling their local OSHA area office, sending a written complaint or filing one online. To contact an OSHA area office, employees should call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742). To file an electronic complaint, go to: www.osha.gov/whistleblower/WBComplaint .
For Further Information
For more information on laws relating to whistleblowing, go to: http://www.whistleblowers.gov/.
DO WHAT’S RIGHT…EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO FIGHT!
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