Is my employer allowed to fire me for reporting workplace safety violations?

Employers are prohibited from firing or punishing employees who complain about workplace safety issues to supervisors, company management or human resources.⁠ Employees are allowed to file complaints about their personal safety, the safety of coworkers, unsafe company practices or dangerous work environments.
 
California laws also protect workers from getting fired for reporting a health or safety violation to a government agency, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The same holds for employees who are required to testify in court about unsafe work conditions. 
 
Firing a worker for exercising their right to report safety violations is a form of retaliation. Sometimes employers may engage in other types of retaliation against an employee, such as reducing work hours or assigning unfavorable tasks. It is also unlawful for an employer to pressure an employee into keeping quiet about a safety violation.
 
If you were fired in retaliation for complaining about a workplace safety issue, contact an employment lawyer immediately. Erlich Law Firm can help you understand your rights and hold your employer accountable for their illegal practices.

Other Whistleblower and Retaliation FAQs:

• How and when do you file an unlawful retaliation lawsuit?
• How is illegal retaliation defined?
• I complained about my employer’s illegal activities and was fired soon after. Do I have a whistleblower claim?
• Is my employer allowed to fire me for reporting workplace safety violations?
• What is illegal retaliation?
• What should I do if I have been fired for reporting my employer’s illegal activities?