WASHINGTON \u2013 An official of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) this week affirmed the agency\u2019s support for whistle-blower protection.<\/p>\n
OSHA enforces provisions of 19 laws protecting employees who report violations of various securities, trucking, airline, nuclear, pipeline, environmental, railroad, public transportation, workplace safety and health, consumer product safety, health care reform, and financial reform laws.<\/p>\n
\u201cOSHA\u2019s Whistle-blower Protection Program exists because of a decades-old belief held by Congress, stakeholders, employers and society that whistle-blowers play an essential role in protecting workers and the public, said Dr. David Michaels, OSHA\u2019s assistant secretary of labor.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhistle-blowers can make the difference between lawful workplaces and places where workers fear for their livelihoods and even their lives if they raise concerns,\u201d Michaels said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith our available resources,\u201d he said, \u201cOSHA is working hard to ensure that whistle-blowers are protected from retaliation. We are in the process of a top-to-bottom review of OSHA\u2019s whistle-blower protection program.\u201d<\/p>\n
The comments came following a General Accountability Office audit of the OSHA Whistle-blower Protection Program. \u201cOSHA has already begun taking action on items recommended in the GAO report, such as requiring all investigators and their supervisors to complete mandatory investigator training over the next 18 months, setting strategic goals and performance measures for the whistleblower program, and providing new equipment to field staff,\u201d Michaels said.<\/p>\n
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA\u2019s role is to assure these conditions for America\u2019s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance.<\/p>\n