OSHA Lets Whistleblowers File Complaints Online

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration recently announced that whistleblowers can now file complaints online, making the process easier and more efficient. Whistleblowers, or workers who have been retaliated against for taking action against an employer, now have an additional way to reach OSHA for assistance.

Before the whistleblower laws were on the books, workers often faced serious reprisals for speaking out against unsafe or illegal practices in the workplace. Workers risked anything from termination to physical attacks as a result of attempting to make their workplaces safer.

Whistleblower laws existed as far back as the early part of the 20^th century. But it wasn’t until the 1970s and 1980s that comprehensive legislation was passed to protect workers who came forward with damaging information against employers.

Because OSHA is charged with enacting and enforcing workplace safety rules, it takes a particular interest in the protection of whistleblowers. In fact, OSHA has developed an entire Whistleblower Protection Program to enforce more than 20 separate whistleblower statutes. These statutes protect employees who report violations of laws relating to securities, trucking, airline, nuclear power, pipeline, environment, rail, public transportation, workplace safety and health, and consumer protection.

Until now, a worker who wished to file a complaint through the program had to submit a written complaint or call the agency at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742) or an OSHA regional office number. The new online process makes filing a complaint easier.

Workers’ ability to speak out without worrying about retaliation is crucial for safety, said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. The whistleblower laws also protect the public in general, he said.

To file a complaint, use OSHA’s whistleblower complaint form. The form will be routed to the appropriate regional investigator for follow-up. The form can also be downloaded and mailed, faxed, or hand-delivered.

If conditions at your workplace are unsafe, you have every reason to be concerned for yourself and your co-workers. Safety regulations are in place to keep workers from serious, even life-threatening, injuries.

Not surprisingly, there is a direct correlation between safety violations and workplace accidents and injuries. While true workplace accidents do occur, most work-related fatalities and injuries are caused at least in part by failure to follow proper safety protocol or to provide workers with the proper safety equipment and training.

If you have been injured in a Kentucky workplace accident, consult a Kentucky workers’ compensation attorney to see if you qualify for benefits.