December 14, 2016

OSHA issues final rule establishing procedures for handling retaliation
complaints from workers in the automotive industry

WASHINGTON - The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has published a final rule establishing procedures and time frames for handling employee retaliation complaints under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). The final rule is effective Dec. 14, 2016.

MAP-21, enacted July 6, 2012, protects employees of automobile manufacturers, part suppliers and car dealerships who have been discharged or otherwise retaliated against for providing information concerning motor vehicle defects or violations of motor vehicle safety standards to their employer or the Secretary of Transportation.

"Every worker in the automotive industry should feel secure with raising concerns about workplace hazards without fear of retaliation," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. "This final rule protects those workers who report conditions or activities that jeopardize their safety or the safety of the public."

In March, OSHA published an interim final rule and requested public comments. The one comment received did not require the agency to make revisions to the rule.

OSHA's fact sheet, Filing Whistleblower Complaints under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21), provides additional details for workers in this industry who have faced retaliation for reporting car safety violations, and instructions on how to file a complaint with OSHA under MAP-21.

OSHA enforces the whistleblower provisions of 22 statutes protecting employees who report violations of various securities laws, trucking, airline, nuclear power, pipeline, environmental, rail, maritime, health care, workplace safety and health regulations, and consumer product safety laws. For more information, please visit www.whistleblowers.gov.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

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