OSHA announced its intent to establish a Whistleblower Protection Advisory Committee that will advise and make recommendations to 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.
"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," said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health. "Establishing a federal advisory committee is another important effort to strengthen protections for whistleblowers."
Initial efforts of the committee will focus on improved customer service models, enhancements in the investigative and enforcement process, training, and regulations governing OSHA investigations.