OSHA recently announced that it wants to create a Whistleblower
Protection Advisory Committee that would "advise, consult with and make
recommendations to the
secretary of labor and the assistant secretary of labor for occupational
safety and health on ways to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and
transparency of OSHA's administration of whistleblower protections."
In a press release,
the agency says that the committee also would advise OSHA on developing
and implementing better customer service models, enforcement processes,
training methods and regulations.
"Workers who expose securities and financial fraud, adulterated foods,
air and water pollution, or workplace safety hazards have a legal right
to speak out without fear of retaliation, and the laws that protect
these whistleblowers also protect the health, safety and well-being of
all Americans," says OSHA Administrator David Michaels. "Establishing a federal advisory
committee is another important effort to strengthen protections for
whistleblowers."