WASHINGTON – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced it is creating a Whistleblower Protection Advisory Committee that will recommend ways to improve the agency’s whistleblower protections.

Specifically the committee will help OSHA develop and implement enhanced customer service, investigative and enforcement practices, training and regulations governing OSHA investigations. The committee will advise the agency in cooperative activities with other federal agencies that are responsible for areas covered by whistleblower protection statutes enforced by OSHA.

"Workers who expose securities and financial fraud, adulterated foods, air and water pollution, or workplace safety hazards have a legal right to speak out without fear of retaliation, and the laws that protect these whistleblowers also protect the health, safety and well-being of all Americans," said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health. "Establishing a federal advisory committee is another important effort to strengthen protections for whistleblowers."

OSHA enforces whistleblower statutes that protect employees who report violations in various areas such as airlines, commercial motor carriers, consumer products, environmental, financial reform, food safety, health care reform, nuclear, pipeline, public transportation agency, railroad, maritime and securities laws.