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OSHA Develops New Process for Resolving Whistleblower Complaints

Aug. 24, 2015
After piloting the program in two regions, OSHA is rolling it out to all of its regions.

OSHA developed an early resolution process to resolve whistleblower complaints.

The new process is to be used as part of a regional Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) program, which offers whistleblower parties the opportunity to negotiate a settlement with the assistance of a neutral, confidential OSHA representative who has subject-matter expertise in whistleblower investigations.

"OSHA receives several thousand whistleblower complaints for investigation each year," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels.

"The Alternative Dispute Resolution process can be a valuable alternative to the expensive and time consuming process of an investigation and litigation. It will provide whistleblower complainants and respondents the option of exploring voluntary resolution of their disputes outside of the traditional investigative process."

After OSHA piloted an ADR program from October 2012 to September 2013 in two of its regions, the agency determined it to be a successful program that “demonstrated that having staff dedicated to facilitating settlement negotiations provides an efficient and effective service that is highly desired by complainants and respondents alike.”

Because of the success of the pilot program, OSHA rolled out the program to all of its regions.

About the Author

Ginger Christ | Associate Editor

Ginger Christ is an associate editor for EHS Today, a Penton publication.

She has covered business news for the past seven years, working at daily and weekly newspapers and magazines in Ohio, including the Dayton Business Journal and Crain’s Cleveland Business.

Most recently, she covered transportation and leadership for IndustryWeek, a sister publication to EHS Today.

She holds a bachelor of arts in English and in Film Studies from the University of Pittsburgh.

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