Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules are in place to protect employees. They protect the health and wellbeing of employees across many different industries including construction, agriculture, and even personal services such as hair salons. The biggest problem with these laws is that it is often the employee that identifies when things are not going as they should.
Employees may feel afraid to report the employer’s wrongdoing for fear of retribution. In many cases, employees may keep quiet in order to protect their income, leading to large organizations getting away with unsafe or unethical work conditions.
Whistleblower Protection Laws
Fortunately, OSHA employment laws also protect the individual employee who reports the violations. A company is not allowed to demote, withhold pay, remove work benefits, or terminate an employee because they reported violations to OSHA.
Salon Employee Receives Compensation After Husband Reports Unethical Business Practices
This is the situation with the case that involves a Kennett Square, Pennsylvania salon employee. A local hair salon employee’s husband reported the salon for numerous health and safety hazards. Soon after this report, the employee was fired in what was believed to be an act of retaliation. Because this violates the whistleblower protection laws that are a part of OSHA’s regulations, the hair salon was forced to compensate the employee for her lost wages.
In addition to covering the employee’s lost wages, the salon employer is also required to hang an OSHA sign with contact information for filing a report for 30 days. The salon is also closely monitored for additional OSHA violations going forward.
Protecting Employees Rights
Employees have a right to report health and safety violations without fear of retribution. This helps OHSA uphold their laws and offer a safe workplace to everyone. Whistleblower laws are in place to ensure OSHA has the ability to regulate and improve workplaces.
The Importance of an Experienced Whistleblower Lawyer In Haddon Township
If you are afraid to report a workplace violation or you have recently been fired for reporting an OSHA violation, you may be subject to compensation under one of OSHA’s 22 whistleblower protection laws. The law offices of Begelman & Orlow, P. C. can help you navigate the whistleblower protection rights that you deserve. There are different requirements present for each of the 22 laws. Keep in mind that you only have 30 days to file a complaint after retaliation occurs. It is important to reach out for legal assistance as soon as possible to protect your employee rights.
With over 115 years of legal experience combined, our legal team will diligently fight to protect your rights. We specialize in whistleblower laws in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. You can contact us today at our Cherry Hill, New Jersey Office on 411 NJ-70 by calling 856-547-7400. You can also visit our office in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. We also protect employee rights in Camden, Cherry Hill, Gloucester Township, Winslow, Pennsauken, Voorhees, Lindenwold, Haddon Township, Collingswood, and Haddonfield.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.