On May 17, OSHA announced the intent to establish a Whistleblower Protection Committee (WPAC) in efforts to improve the efficiency and results of whistleblowers’ protection and procedures nationwide.The committee will work directly with OSHA’s Secretary of Labor, Hilda L. Solis and Assistant Secretary of Labor, Dr. David Michaels. Its creation’s purpose will serve to sustain and encourage open dialog between stakeholders and experts, transparency, and accountability.
According to OSHA, all workers should have the confidence to speak out about fouled, illegal, or unethical situations they might encounter, such as “securities and financial fraud, adulterated foods, air and water pollution, or workplace safety hazards” without retaliation as the legal right was created for, says Michaels. “Establishing a federal advisory committee is another important effort to strengthen protections for whistleblowers.”
Customer service models, enhancements in investigative and enforcement process, training, and regulations governing OSHA investigations are some of the subjects the committee will advise on to OSHA.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act and 20 other statutes regarding workers’ rights are enforced by OSHA and enacted by Congress. To view information on employer whistleblower rights, visit www.whistleblowers.gov. To view the federal register notice of OSHA’s announcement, visit https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/05/17/2012-11982/whistleblower-protection-advisory-committee-wpac.