An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that a dental practice in north Texas, Roger H. Bohannan DDS Inc., retaliated against two employees after they raised concerns about COVID-19 safety protocols back in 2020. The two dentists who fired the employees will pay a combined total of $15,706 in back wages.
According to the OSHA news release, “Roger and David Bohannan of Roger H. Bohannan DDS Inc. initially furloughed their employees when the state of Texas banned specific dental procedures in March and April 2020, at the height of the pandemic.” While on furlough, the two employees – a dental hygienist and a dental assistant – “asked what safety measures would be in place once patients and employees returned.”
OSHA states that “[a]fter receiving a call to return to work, the practice did not reinstate the hygienist after they cited guidance from OSHA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” Additionally, OSHA found that the practice “rescinded its offer to rehire the dental assistant after they inquired about safety measures and their protection.” Roger H. Bohannan DDS Inc. eventually fired both employees.
“OSHA determined the employer discriminated against the employees for exercising their right to express concerns about their safety and health,” the news release states.
The DOL filed a lawsuit against Roger and David Bohannan in July 2021 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern...
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