A car dealership employee informed their supervisor that several new vehicles in the showroom had malfunctioning airbag sensors. The next day, the employee was informed they were no longer allowed to work with new cars and had their hours cut.
The employee filed a whistleblower complaint with OSHA, and our investigator found that the employer’s actions violated the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), which protects motor vehicle industry workers. As a result, the worker’s schedule was restored, and the vehicle defects were reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This case is a reminder that workplace safety is a shared responsibility – employers and workers both play a crucial role. Workers have the right to report safety concerns without fear of retaliation.
Learn more about 50 years of whistleblower protections on our website. If you believe you were retaliated against for exercising your legal rights, you can file a whistleblower complaint with OSHA.
McCraren Compliance offers comprehensive safety training to help prevent accidents. Visit our class calendar to see how our training and consulting services can enhance your safety efforts.
Original article published by OSHA