The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published two more whistleblower protection rules to ensure that workers are protected when they voice concerns about workplace violations of federal law.
A recently published interim final rule establishes procedures for handling complaints of worker retaliation under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act. MAP-21 protects workers in automobile manufacturing, part supplies and car dealerships who have been discharged or otherwise retaliated against for informing their employer or the Secretary of Transportation about motor vehicle defects or violations of motor vehicle safety standards. The interim final rule became effective March 16, 2016. OSHA invites the public to submit comments on this rule by May 16; to learn how, see the Federal Register notice. An OSHA fact sheet* provides additional details.
OSHA has also issued a final rule establishing procedures for handling whistleblower retaliation complaints under the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010. Section 1057 of the CFPA protects workers against retaliation for reporting potential violations of consumer financial protection laws. The rule implements statutory requirements created by Congress and creates no new obligations for employers or employees.
For more information or assistance with your Environmental and Health & Safety regulatory compliance needs, contact Ralph Carito at Total Environmental & Safety, LLC (Total) at rcarito@TotalEnviron.com or 908-442-8599.