Whistleblower Protection: What is it?
You have a right to work in a safe environment. And many construction sites go to great lengths to ensure the worksite is free of additional risks and hazards. But when you are put in a situation where your safety is on the line, you can report the situation to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and you will be protected against backlash from your employer.
Known as the “Whistleblower Protection Program,” OSHA protects those workers who have the sense to step forward with safety concerns. Not only does the agency provide construction workers with an avenue to seek safety help, they also work to ensure your employer doesn’t take revenge afterwards.
According to the OSHA website in regards to the Whistleblower’s Program:
Protection from discrimination means that an employer cannot retaliate by taking “adverse action” against workers, such as:
- Firing or laying off
- Blacklisting
- Demoting
- Denying overtime or promotion
- Disciplining
- Denial of benefits
- Failure to hire or rehire
- Intimidation
- Making threats
- Reassignment affecting prospects for promotion
- Reducing pay or hours.
Not only do you have a right to seek help when your employer puts you in an unsafe environment, you have a right to seek help when they retaliate against you for speaking out.
You give your job a good portion of your waking hours. You go to work and do your best, not only to bring home a paycheck and provide for yourself and your family, but simply to provide a service and be the best you can. When your job and your health are put on the line by an employer, supervisor, or coworkers who don’t adhere to basic safety standards, you could find yourself hurt and without a job.
It is in everyone’s best interests to keep construction worksites safe—to prevent accidents from occurring. Because when a construction accident happens, it hurts everyone involved.
How Ginarte Lawyers Can Help
The New York and New Jersey construction accident attorneys with the Ginarte Law Firm are dedicated to helping men and women who are hurt while working on construction sites. If you’ve been injured on the job, you could be entitled to compensation not only for your medical costs, but also for the pain and suffering they’ve put you through.
Contact our offices today to speak with a local construction accident lawyer about your accident and your rights. We can discuss your legal options and how we might be able to help. Call 888-GINARTE today.
