What is whistleblower protection?

On Behalf of | Jun 20, 2017 | Workplace Accidents

If your Louisiana employer is creating a dangerous work environment or not following safety regulations, you have the right to report them. However, in the past, employees were afraid of doing so because employers would often punish them for doing it. Thanks to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s whistleblower protection, you no longer have to worry about kickback from your employer.

You are protected against being fired, having your hours or wages reduced and a host of other tactics employers may use to punish you or treat you badly because you reported them. If your employer does do something negative to you as a result of your actions, then you can report it to OSHA. There is a time limit for reporting retaliation depending on your industry. These limits range from 30-180 days.

Once you file a report, OSHA will conduct a review of the facts and make a determination. To show that retaliation occurred, your employer must have known that you were involved in a protected action, such as reporting a safety hazard. Your employer must have acted due to whatever you did in a negative manner. Typically, a settlement will be reached with your employer, but if it is not reached, then OSHA will take further steps.

Whistleblower protection is designed to help you feel comfortable with reporting dangerous situations in your workplace to keep everyone safe. If employers are breaking the law, then they need to be held accountable and you should not fear getting in trouble because you reported them. This information is only intended to educate and should not be interpreted as legal advice.

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