Department of Labor alleges Stone Hill Excavation and Split Rock Sand & Gravel violated worker protections after injury report
Valley Springs Today
The U.S. Department of Labor has filed a lawsuit against two South Dakota construction companies, Stone Hill Excavation LLC and its successor Split Rock Sand & Gravel, for allegedly firing an employee who reported a severe work-related injury. An OSHA investigation found the companies violated whistleblower protection laws by terminating the worker just two days after the injury was reported.
This case highlights the importance of whistleblower protections for workers who report safety violations or injuries on the job. Retaliation against employees who speak up about workplace hazards can discourage others from coming forward and undermine efforts to improve safety standards in the construction industry.
According to the lawsuit, the employee suffered second- and third-degree burns from scalding water in a pressurized pipe while working for Stone Hill Excavation. OSHA determined the companies violated the whistleblower provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act by firing the worker just two days after the injury was reported. The Department of Labor is seeking the employee's reinstatement, back wages, and $100,000 in punitive damages.
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