OSHA’s Office of Whistleblower Protection Program under the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of the Assistant Secretary has strengthened its ability to respond to workplace grievances. Under the DOL, OSHA matters will have greater priority than they did under the Directorate of Enforcement Programs.
In a recent October 2012 action, consent judgment against Parker Medical Inc. was granted to OSHA in a whistleblower rights case involving an employee who was allegedly dismissed days after he filed a grievance with OSHA against the company. As part of the settlement, Parker Medical Inc. agreed to pay the former employee $12,000 in back pay plus interest, and to place posters in the workplace informing employees about whistleblower rights. The company agreed to remove details of the alleged incident from the former employee’s personnel files and to give prospective employers a neutral job reference for the discharged employee.
If you are concerned about workplace issues and have considered reporting to OSHA, contact an attorney who has experience in litigating matters related to wrongdoing in the work place. Evans Law Firm, Inc. represents clients in cases of corporate and government wrong-doing including safety violations, fraud, waste, and retaliation against employees who report such activities. Contact Evans Law Firm, Inc. by email at: info@evanslaw.com or phone (415)-441-8669.
