You have the right to a safe workplace environment. Some companies have a hotline where employees can report concerns. You can also report to your local Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) office. However you choose to report, you have the right to do so without fear of retaliation.
Once an employee reports a workplace safety violation, the employer has the option to address the concerns privately and with professionalism. However, some companies badger whistleblowers until working becomes impossible or even dangerous. According to The HR Digest, retaliatory behaviors against a whistleblower may include the following:
- Refusing to promote the employee
- Acting with hostility toward the employee
- Excluding the employee from work-related tasks
- Slandering the employee
Victims of retaliation may lose their jobs, feel fearful of working, and suffer damage to their reputations.
Under Oregon law, employees are protected from retaliation when they report what they believe to be a violation of a law, rule, or regulation. All legal claims have deadlines for filing. If you believe you have a claim for whistleblowing retaliation, it is crucial that you contact an attorney as soon as possible. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission provides additional information about whistleblowing resources for employees.