From a recent OSHA QuickTakes:
In a March 12 memo to OSHA Regional Administrators and whistleblower investigative staff, OSHA’s Deputy Assistant Secretary Richard Fairfax addressed workplace policies and practices that can discourage workers from reporting injuries and could constitute unlawful discrimination and a violation of
section 11(c) of the OSH Act or other whistleblower protection statutes. Some of these policies and practies may also violate OSHA’s recordkeeping regulations, particularly the requirement that ensures workers can report work-related injuries and illnesses.
Ensuring that workers can report injuries or illnesses without fear of retaliation is crucial to protecting worker safety and health. If workers do not feel free to report injuries or illnesses, an entire workforce is put at risk: Employers do not learn of and correct dangerous conditions that have resulted in injuries, and injured workers may not receive the proper medical attention or the workers’ compensation benefits to which they are entitled. For more details read the memo and visit OSHA’s Whistleblower page.