COVID-19 Safety Complaints & Whistleblower Protections

Both OSHA and Our Experienced Memphis Attorneys Are On Your Side

With the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, our definition of safety has changed drastically. Individuals and institutions around the world have been forced to adapt and prioritize the health and wellbeing of the workforce. As part of the coronavirus response, many employees have started working from home. Those who are unable to are known as “essential employees,” and they are, understandably, scared of being exposed to and contracting the virus.

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended measures like face coverings and increased sanitation efforts to protect both workers and employees. All workplaces are also practicing social distancing and other health and safety measures. When an employer fails to implement these strategies, workers are allowed to speak out. If, for example, an essential worker is not provided with personal protective equipment (PPE), they may file a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Once they do so, this person becomes a “whistleblower,” and they are entitled to certain protections.

When employers retaliate against whistleblowers, OSHA is responsible for enforcing whistleblower protections. Still, whistleblowers may also wish to recruit an experienced employment law attorney for assistance.

If this situation sounds familiar to you, Donati Law, PLLC can help. With over 45 years of experience in the Memphis area, we can walk you through the whistleblowing process.

Call us at (901) 209-5500 today to get started.

COVID-19 Safety Standards

OSHA has developed standards and directions for addressing the COVID-19 pandemic in the workplace. To adhere to federal standards, employers must provide:

• Eye and face protection
• Respiratory protection
• Hand protection
• Sanitation (and sanitized environments)
• Protection from bloodborne pathogens
• Hazard communication

Many of these safety measures existed before the coronavirus crisis, but they are applied slightly differently now. For example, doctors and nurses always needed all of the protections above, but now these protections should be extended to other essential workers, as well.

Employees in grocery stores and pharmacies, for instance, may need to sanitize their station between customers, wear gloves and/or face masks, or work behind a “sneeze guard.”

If your employer isn’t adhering to OSHA standards and taking reasonable steps to protect you from the virus, you can express your concerns without retaliation.

Anyone who is wrongfully terminated or disciplined after filing a safety complaint should contact our Memphis whistleblower lawyers ASAP.