The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been granted authority to handle worker retaliation complaints under the Taxpayer First Act, according to www.osha.gov. The statute was signed into law July 1.
Under the law, OSHA will investigate complaints of retaliation against employees for providing information regarding underpayment of tax; violations of internal revenue laws; or violations of federal law relating to tax fraud to the IRS, another federal entity listed in the statute, a supervisor or any other person working for the employer who has the authority to investigate, discover or terminate misconduct.
The law also prohibits retaliation against employees for testifying, assisting with or participating in any administrative or judicial action taken by the IRS relating to an alleged underpayment of tax, violation of internal revenue law or violation of federal law relating to tax fraud.
OSHA will process whistleblower complaints using procedures under the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century until an interim final rule is issued.
