How to Understand How the Whistleblower Program Protects You When Reporting Unsafe Working Conditions

Initiated in addition to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, the Whistleblower Program protects workers from adverse employment actions that result from reporting to or cooperating with OSHA concerning violations of any of the 14 statutes designed to improve the safety and health standards within the workplace. These adverse actions can be unfair punishment, discrimination, demotion or termination. Read on to learn more about the Whistleblower Program.

Instructions

Understand the Whistleblower Program

1. Be aware that protections afforded you by OSHA's Office of Investigative Assistance ensure optimal working conditions and protection of federal rules and regulations within every workplace in the United States.

2. Realize that OSHA's jurisdiction and regulations cover training, medical examinations and accurate, thorough record keeping in addition to traditional safety and health protections.

Determine When to Act Under the Protection of the Whistleblower Program

1. File unsafe working condition complaints directly with OSHA rather than your employer to ensure smooth, efficient resolution of OSHA violations and protect yourself from possible repercussions. Many employers do not realize that OSHA protects all workers from any negative repercussions associated with reporting concern for unsafe working conditions, and these employers may issue penalties for workers who complain.

2. Enlist the help of your co-workers when you report violations to OSHA. Encourage them to simultaneously initiate contact with OSHA concerning workplace violations to strengthen your case. Assure co-workers that the Whistleblower Program protects all workers within the United States.

Blow the Whistle on Unsafe Working Conditions or Adverse Employment Actions

1. File a complaint directly online or submit a written complaint via mail or fax. Download the necessary forms at the OSHA Web site (see Resources below).

2. Determine which, if any, of the 14 statutes listed under OSHA's Whistleblower Protection Program apply to your workplace (see Resources below).

3. Gather evidence, documentation and other details pertinent to your claim before you file a complaint with OSHA. When you have all necessary materials in order, visit the OSHA Web site (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Visit the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Web site for a brief, concise overview of protections offered under the Whistleblower Program and an easy, online method for reporting unsafe working conditions and other violations.

• Your employer may not want you to understand your protections under the Whistleblower Program or may not actually understand the laws themselves. This is especially true of smaller, newer companies.