OSHA Orders Company to Pay $1.1 Million to Whistleblowers
When you are hurt on the job, you have rights. One of these rights is to be able to report your injury without fear of retribution from your employer. One company, the Norfolk Southern Railway Co., is facing serious penalties after the Occupational Safety and Health Administration determined they fired three workers for reporting injuries sustained while working.
In all, OSHA has ordered the company to pay $1.1 million in compensatory and punitive damages. They’ve also ordered NSRC to post notices on worksites about workers’ rights as whistleblowers and to train employees on the related issues as well.
According to a press release on OSHA’s official website, the fines were the result of two separate investigations.
The first investigation involved a crane operator who was injured on an Indiana job site. The worker reported an injury which required metal and rust to be removed from his eye. Following the accident, his employer launched an investigation and subsequently fired him for making “false statements concerning the injury.”
OSHA’s own investigation determined the worker would not have lost his job had he not reported the injury. NSRC was ordered to pay the man more than $437,000 in damages, including compensatory damages, punitive damages, and back wages and benefits.
In the second investigation of the company, two workers were similarly fired after reporting injuries following a vehicle accident in a work truck. As in the first case, the company fired the men, claiming they lied about the accident. Again, OSHA ruled that the company violated whistleblower standards and ordered the company to pay damages.
When you work in construction, you take risks every single day. But when an accident happens, you need to know that you are protected by the law. Sometimes, employers will make you feel as if your injuries aren’t important, but we know better.
The construction accident attorneys with Ginarte Law Firm work closely with injured construction workers. We know what you’re up against and stand ready to help in your pursuit of justice. Contact our offices today to discuss your accident and the legal options available to you. Call (888) GINARTE now.
