OSHA Retaliation
The Occupational Safety and Health Act was signed into law by then-President Richard Nixon in 1970. It is designed to protect workers by spelling out certain safety standards to which all employers and workplaces must adhere. These standards are written and regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a government agency that was created by the Act.
Guaranteed Rights for Workers
OSHA requires all employers to maintain a reasonably safe environment for workers. Specific hazards that businesses are required to recognize and remedy include:
- Dangerous machinery
- Possibly damaging noise levels
- Extreme heat or cold
- Toxic chemicals
- Unsanitary conditions
If an employer fails to adequately protect employees from the above hazards, employees have the right to report the problem to OSHA. If the Administration deems it necessary, they will intervene to protect the affected workers. For more information about protecting your rights as an employee, contact Austin employment lawyer Andrew Traub.
Retaliation for OSHA Claims
Unfortunately, some workers are hesitant about reporting unsafe working conditions. They fear that their employers will punish them in some way. Punishing or threatening an employee for committing a legal act is called workplace retaliation, and it is against the law. Common retaliation techniques are:
- Unjustified termination
- Threats about a person’s job or health
- Undeserved punishment or negative reviews
If you have been the victim of workplace retaliation for filing a claim with OSHA or even planning to do so, you do have legal options. An OSHA retaliation claim can help you win compensation for your experiences and prevent your employer from continuing to mistreat you.
Contact Us
To speak with an experienced Austin workplace retaliation attorney about your case, contact us.