OSHA Plans to Create Whistleblower Protection Committee

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."