OSHA Cautions Employers About Retaliation

By Kamer Zucker Abbott

April 13, 2020

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is reminding employers that it is illegal to retaliate against an employee who has reported unsafe and unhealthful working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OSHA’s whistleblower laws prohibit retaliation against employees for reporting injuries, illnesses, or unsafe conditions to their employers, participating in OSHA inspections, and, under certain conditions, refusing to work when there is reasonable fear of death or serious injury. In general, the employee must have a reasonable, good faith belief that a violation of the law occurred or could occur. Retaliation can include terminations, demotions, denials of overtime or promotion, or reductions in pay or hours.

If you have questions about retaliation and/or whistleblower activity, please contact a KZA attorney.