Record Number of Whistleblower Cases in FY 2012

A record number of whistleblower complaints was filed with OSHA in fiscal year 2012, according to data from the agency’s Whistleblower Protection Program.

The number of whistleblower cases submitted to OSHA in fiscal year 2012 reached 2,787, up 5% from 2011.

Growing even faster was the number of complaint determinations made by OSHA: 2.867 cases in 2012, a 42% jump. Of these determinations, only 21% produced settlements, and just 2% resulted in a finding or preliminary order by OSHA. The remaining complaints were either withdrawn by complainants (20%) or dismissed by OSHA (58%).

Experts say that recently enacted laws with whistleblower protections are somewhat responsible for the increase in complaints, although 85% of cases filed last year involved typical workplace safety issues.

Complete data