During the fiscal year 2023, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) set aside in total more than 3,200 whistleblower complaints. This indicates that the problem of providing workers with a safe and healthy workplace still exists.
Employees who report on certain industry or health code violations of their company are called whistleblowers. These people have certain rights that allow them to report on illegal or unsafe workplace practices. A whistleblower is not subject to punishment by a company if they report unlawful conduct as per the Whistleblower Protection Act and other related laws.
According to whistleblower lawyer Briana Kim, a worker who reports their company and becomes demoted or illegally fired can initiate a legal action. The employee can fight for reinstatement, collect back wages and benefits, and even get reimbursement for their legal expenses.
Those who know the protections find it much easier to voice their concerns. Let’s look at retaliation, the rights you have and the actions you can take if your employer goes too far.
Understanding Whistleblower Protections
Protections for whistleblowers are very thorough and wide-ranging. They give you a sense of safety and at the same time motivate you to fight against the evils of corruption or mistreatment. For example, your company can never fire, transfer to a lower position, or treat you unfairly after you expose an unethical practice.
Laws also often give you options in case you choose to...
Kenneth Scott Miller, 48, is charged with a felony count of making a false report to law enforcement. He was released from the Escambia County Jail on a $500 bond. According to an Escambia County ...