Austin Occupational Safety and Health Act Attorneys
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was created to maintain safe workplaces for Americans across the nation and to ensure that employment rights are not infringed upon by predatory corporations. With this in mind, the government enacted the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act in 1970 designed to protect employees who report illegal actions of their employers from workplace retaliation. Whistleblowers are now encouraged to come forth and report any actions that could make the workplace dangerous for employees knowing that they can not be punished by their employers.
At The Melton Law Firm, our attorneys believe that whistleblowers are the unsung heroes of the working class. Without their help, OSHA would not be able to step in and protect employees from hazardous work conditions. However, while companies are not legally allowed to take action against a whistleblower, many still do and create a hostile work environment for a whistleblower. Our Austin Occupational Safety and Health Act Attorneys are here to help whistleblowers enforce their rights under the OSH Act by pursuing compensation from employers who choose to retaliate against them.
Rights Under the OSH Act
There are over 20 statutes listed in the OSH Act, created to protect employees from various forms of workplace retaliation. Employers cannot take adverse action or disciplinary measures against an employee who rightfully files a complaint against the employer. If an employer chooses to do so, the whistleblower has every right to pursue compensation for the harm they have suffered. Provisions of the OSH Act protect employees from a variety of workplace retaliation including, but not limited to:
- Firing or laying off
- Disciplining
- Denial of benefits
- Reducing pay or hours
- Intimidation/harassment
- Demoting
If a whistleblower has been retaliated against, they may have the right to file an official complaint with OSHA. However, if this complaint is filed incorrectly or without the help of a qualified attorney, the whistleblower can become entrapped in a long-standing legal battle.
Contact an Austin OSH Act Attorney Today
If you or someone you know has reported an employer for acting illegally and they have since become a victim of workplace retaliation, the employment attorneys of The Melton Law Firm are here to protect your legal rights. Our attorneys are dedicated to ensuring that employment rights remain protected so that future potential whistleblowers are not dissuaded from reporting problems and workplaces across the country remain safe and healthy. Contact our office at (512) 330-0017 today to learn more about how we may assist you in your whistleblower case.
