Last week, OSHA announced that whistleblowers, who are covered by one of 22 statutes administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, may now file complaints online. OSHA says the online form will provide a way for workers who have been retaliated against an easier way to reach the agency.
“The ability of workers to speak out and exercise their rights without fear of retaliation provides the backbone for some of American workers’ most essential protections,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. “Whistleblower laws protect not only workers, but also the public at large and now workers will have an additional avenue available to file a complaint with OSHA.”
In the past, all complaints to OSHA had to be submitted in writing or by calling the agency directly.
Workers will now be able to electronically submit a whistleblower complaint to OSHA by visiting: www.osha.gov/whistleblower/WBComplaint.html.
OSHA enforces the whistleblower provisions of 22 statutes protecting employees who report violations of various securities laws, trucking, airline, nuclear power, pipeline, environmental, rail, public transportation, workplace safety and health, and consumer protection laws. Detailed information on employee whistleblower rights, including fact sheets and instructions on how to submit the form in hard-copy format, is available online at www.whistleblowers.gov.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.