OSHA Proposes More Protection For Whistle-blowers

OSHA has unveiled plans to protect whistle-blowers -- employees who finger their employers as violators of federal safety rules. Its rationale: In 67% of the cases it studied, the employee who brought the safety violation to light was fired. About 2,000 employees file claims annually with the U.S. Dept. of Labor contending that they were fired or penalized for whistle-blower activities. OSHA's plan would include the use of administrative law judges to handle such claims, punitive damages for employers who falsify records, and six months -- rather than 30 days -- for employees to file retaliation claims against employers.