The U.S. Department of Labor has ordered a New Mexico-based inspection company to reinstate and compensate a terminated worker who reported safety concerns during installation of a natural gas pipeline in Watonga, Oklahoma
The department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigated a whistleblower complaint filed against Legacy Energy and Distribution LLC that alleged a construction crew was installing a pipeline without following federal regulations. The complainant used “stop work authority” to halt the installation and contacted an independent, third-party testing company to verify observed concerns, which Legacy later confirmed as valid. Legacy subsequently fired the inspector, alleging failure to follow the established chain of command and complete the probationary period.
OSHA determined that Legacy wrongfully terminated the inspector for engaging in protected activities under the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act, which protects employees from retaliation for reporting violations of federal laws related to pipeline safety and security. OSHA ordered Legacy to reinstate the employee and pay back wages, interest, and compensatory damages, totalling more than US$35,000.
OSHA's Whistleblower Protection Program enforces protections for employees who suffer retaliation for engaging in protected activities under more than 20 federal laws.
All federal agencies are required to establish procedures to ensure that no employee suffers retaliation for reporting unsafe or unhealthy working conditions, or for otherwise engaging in safety or health activities.
Federal employees who believe that they have suffered retaliation for disclosing a violation of a law, rule, or regulation, gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, and/or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety, may file a complaint with the Office of Special Counsel (OSC).
