The Current Law Section 11(c) of the Act prohibits discrimination against any employee who engages in “protected activities,” such as filing a safety complaint, reporting an injury or illness, requesting an OSHA inspection, or testifying against the employer, to name a few.
Which Act protects employees against unsafe work places?
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) was passed to prevent workers from being killed or otherwise harmed at work. The law requires employers to provide their employees with working conditions that are free of known dangers.
What did the OSH Act do?
29 U.S.C. Their goal was to make sure employers provide their workers a place of employment free from recognized hazards to safety and health, such as exposure to toxic chemicals, excessive noise levels, mechanical dangers, heat or cold stress, or unsanitary conditions.
What section of the OSHA Act does the whistleblower program reference?
In the 22 states with OSHA-approved state plans which cover the private sector, employees may file a complaint under Section 11(c) of the OSH Act or a complaint under the State’s analogous whistleblower provision or both. The complaint with Federal OSHA must be filed within 30 days of the unfavorable employment action.
Does OSHA have the authority to protect whistleblowers?
Introduction & Instructions. OSHA administers more than twenty whistleblower protection laws, including Section 11(c) of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act, which prohibits retaliation against employees who complain about unsafe or unhealthful conditions or exercise other rights under the Act.
Is there a law to protect whistleblowers?
The Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989 was enacted to protect federal employees who disclose “Government illegality, waste, and corruption” from adverse consequences related to their employment. This act provides protection to whistleblowers who may receive demotions, pay cuts, or a replacement employee.
