Whistleblower Claims: Report Workplace Violations Without Fear

When your workplace begins cutting corners and risking the health, safety and well-being of you and your colleagues, something should be done to stop them. Many employees who recognize workplace violations do not report them because they fear losing their job.

My name is Rod Bridgers of the Law Office of Rod Bridgers, LLLC, and I am a Hawaii attorney with more than 38 years of experience. You have rights that protect you from retaliation if you report a workplace violation. If your employer illegally takes action against you, I can effectively and efficiently defend your legal rights as an employee.

You Should Not Have To Endure Retaliation

If your workplace breaks the law or violates public policy, you have the right to report this wrongdoing without fear of retaliation. There are laws in place that protect the individual (whistleblower) who reports a violation. These laws prevent employers from retaliating against whistleblowers who work for them. Retaliation can come in many forms, including:

• Firing
• Demoting
• Decreasing pay or hours
• Withholding advancement opportunities
• Acting with hostility
• Changing responsibilities

If you were retaliated against after reporting a workplace violation, I can protect your rights and your career.

Steps To Take If You Witness A Workplace Violation

You may want to report safety violations to your employer, but it is understandable if you prefer to file an anonymous complaint. This can be done by contacting the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and filing a whistleblower complaint. Complaints can be submitted online, in person, via telephone, by fax or by mail.

After filing your complaint, be sure to keep track of any evidence you have. OSHA will conduct an investigation and may request additional documentation. It is important to provide these documents promptly. Preserve potential evidence such as hazardous products, photographs or videos, phone logs, text messages, emails and other relevant materials. Anything you can provide will strengthen your position.

Potential Outcomes Of Whistleblower Claims

After OSHA conducts its investigation, the business may be subjected to penalties, such as financial fines and mandatory corrective actions to address health and safety issues.

Your identity will remain confidential throughout this process. You may be informed of the investigation’s outcome and could notice changes in the workplace, such as safety improvements.

If the case involves financial violations, such as securities violations, you may be entitled to financial compensation under the Dodd-Frank Act. Typically, this compensation ranges from 10% to 30% of the sanctions imposed on the business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here at the Law Office of Rod Bridgers, LLLC, I’m fully dedicated to answering your whistleblower questions. Here are a few of the ones I hear most:

What legal protections do whistleblowers have in Hawaii?

You are protected against retaliation from your employer if they find out who made the whistleblower complaint. Retaliation could take many forms, including reducing your hours, cutting your pay, terminating your position, refusing your promotions, refusing to pay bonuses and much else. You may deserve back pay.

How can I anonymously report a workplace violation?

You can make an anonymous report to OSHA by filing the proper paperwork online, by phone, by mail or by fax. OSHA will keep your identity confidential, and you will simply be referred to as “the complainant” during the investigation.

What constitutes retaliation under whistleblower laws?

Any negative action by your employer that is taken because you are a whistleblower is illegal. Your employer can’t fire you for filing a safety and health complaint, for example, and they cannot demote you, reduce your pay, cut your hours or engage in any type of harassment or discrimination.

An Attorney To Act As Your Shield

Without an experienced attorney to represent you in your workplace violation report, you risk your well-being, job and future. Even if you already have reported an incident, talk to an employment law attorney immediately to determine your next step.

Choose the attorney to whom Hawaii comes for help. Call my office at 808-796-5650 or email me here to schedule your initial consultation today.