February 19, 2021
Don’t Blow It! New Whistleblower Protections
On February 19th, the U.S. Department of Labor announced that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will oversee enforcement of two new laws that were enacted under the Trump Administration.
Under the Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act, OSHA will investigate individual whistleblower’s complaints of retaliation for reporting criminal antitrust violations to their superiors or the federal government; or for showing cause, testifying, or participating in, or otherwise assisting an investigation or proceeding related to antitrust law violations. In Anti-Money Laundering Act cases, OSHA will do the same related to reporting money laundering-related violations.
Both laws protect private sector employees who report related violations to or about their employer.
With these new provisions added to the list of activities in which employees may engage and be protected, employers should be familiar with the basics, provide practical examples in their training programs, and ensure the company’s anti-retaliation policy includes activities protected under federal, state, and/or local law.
Want more information about these and other whistleblowing rights? Join FiveL’s March 24th webcast, “Ethics, Antitrust & Whistleblowing,” 10:00 – 11:15 a.m. ET. Pre-approved by SHRM and by HRCI for 1.25 business credits. $25 p.p.
