Whistleblower Complaints Up; Investigator Count Down

The quantity of whistleblower complaints coming to the federal agency that oversees such actions increased over the last five years while the number of investigators declined, according to agency data provided to Bloomberg Law.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration enforces the whistleblower retaliation provisions of more than 20 laws protecting workers who report a broad range of alleged misdeeds—from workplace safety and health to food safety lapses, railroad hazards, and financial fraud.

The growing workload has led to the agency closing fewer cases, workers waiting longer for OSHA decisions, and delays for employers defending themselves.

“Months and months go ...