OSHA recognizes worker protections on National Whistleblower Day 2026

OSHA is marking National Whistleblower Day by recognizing workers who report safety concerns and reminding employees that federal protections allow them to advocate for safer workplaces.

OSHA posted on LinkedIn July 28:

"July 30 is #NationalWhistleblowerDay. OSHA recognizes the courageous workers who help create safer workplaces. It’s also a reminder that workplace safety includes ensuring every worker’s right to advocate for a safer workplace. Speaking up about safety concerns can help prevent injuries before they happen."

Through its Whistleblower Protection Program, OSHA investigates complaints from employees who believe they have faced retaliation after reporting concerns or exercising protected rights.

OSHA program protects workers who report concerns

OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Program enforces the whistleblower provisions of more than 20 federal laws. These laws protect workers who report workplace safety and health hazards, participate in OSHA inspections, provide information during investigations, or engage in other protected activities.

Workers may also be protected when they report issues involving other workplace violations covered by federal whistleblower laws, including certain environmental, financial, transportation, and consumer protection concerns.

OSHA shared across its social media accounts that in FY25, its Whistleblower Protection Program conducted more than 3,000 investigations and recovered $45 million for workers.

Retaliation can include more than termination. Employers are also prohibited from demoting whistleblowers, reducing pay or hours, denying benefits or promotions, intimidation, threats, reassignment to undesirable duties, or other actions that could discourage workers from raising concerns.

OSHA said protecting employees who speak up is an important part of identifying hazards and preventing injuries before they occur.

How to file retaliation complaints with OSHA

Employees who believe they have experienced retaliation can submit a whistleblower complaint through OSHA. Complaints may be filed online, by mail, by fax, by telephone, or by contacting a local OSHA office.

Filing deadlines vary depending on the whistleblower law involved. Some complaints must be filed within 30 days of the alleged retaliation, while others may have longer deadlines, making it important for workers to understand the requirements that apply to their situation.

The agency provides information about workers’ rights, examples of retaliation, and complaint procedures through Whistleblowers.gov. Additional workplace rights resources are available through Worker.gov, which provides information on workplace safety, wages, discrimination, and other employee protections.

Editor’s note: ChatGPT contributed to this article.