COVID-19 has hit our country harder than anyone could have predicted. And while we are all adjusting to the new normal, one concession that nobody should have to make is workplace safety. We’re not just talking about doing your best to wear a mask and avoid contracting this potentially deadly virus, either.
In the eyes of the law, your employer has a responsibility to keep employees safe from threats, including the novel coronavirus. But what happens if you don’t feel comfortable with the protections your job has provided thus far? Well, if you suspect any OSHA violations at the place of your employment, then you may be entitled to whistleblower protections. Here’s what you should know:
Protection for Workers Who Report OSHA Violations
Reporting an OSHA violation is an important act. It can have a major impact on how safe you feel working for your organization and holds businesses accountable for not doing their part to adhere to federal law. If you believe your employer is placing you at risk of COVID-19 or any other safety hazard for that matter, filing a complaint is as much a civic duty as it is a right.
Keep an eye out for possible violations like:
- Inadequate cleanliness or social distancing measures in place
- Lack of proper PPE provided by your employer
- Lax safety measures as a result of less frequent OSHA inspections
- Forced hours even if the business should be on lockdown by order of the government
OSHA Whistleblower Protection Program
We understand how nerve-wracking it may be to file a report on infractions incurred by your employer. However, letting them fester is a much worse decision, as it may lead to the illness or even death of you and those around you. And if you’re afraid of potential repercussions, don’t worry, OSHA has your back. Their whistleblower protection program ensures that those who raise a red flag do not get retaliated against due to their commitment to the health and safety of their coworkers.
However, it’s important that you act fast. Although OSHA has jurisdiction over many sectors and can make sure your employer doesn’t take adverse action against you for things like, filing a complaint, causing a complaint to be filed, participating in any official investigation, and testifying about safety concerns, there may be time limits associated with those protections. For instance, if you become aware of a safety infraction and do not report it until after 30 days, you may not be entitled to as many protections. Time is of the essence.
Contact Gokal Law
Do you suspect that your employer is in violation of OSHA COVID-19 regulations? Contact Jibit Cinar of Gokal Law Group, Inc. Our team specializes in litigation and counseling related to employment and labor law and will diligently represent you in the courts. In short, we will give you the support you need to win your case. The sooner you contact us, the more effective we are at getting you the justice you deserve.
Gokal Law Group is a family firm that treats our clients as if they were our own flesh and blood. We fight for our clients as we would our own children, sisters, brothers, and parents. We are our clients’ Warriors, fighting to bring them justice and right the wrongs they have endured.
Each attorney has a specific practice area for which they are tried, tested, and battle-ready. Each has vast years of experience in their practice area, providing them the knowledge, skills, and vision to fight and win. Learn more about Gokal Law Group.