DOL Sues Lear Corp. and Three Managers for Retaliation

The managers retaliated after employees raised safety concerns at the Selma foam manufacturer.

According to an agency news release, the U.S. Department of Labor has filed a lawsuit against Lear Corp., doing business as Renosol Seating LLC, and three of its managers for suspending and terminating employees who reported workplace hazards that have violated the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

The suit follows an investigation by OSHA after three employees of the company at a Selma, Ala., location filed federal complaints. According to the suit, Lear discriminated against the employees by conducting retaliatory acts in violation of the OSH Act's Section 11.

Some of the allegations: The company harassed employees, reduced their overtime, segregated them from co-workers, and suspended and later terminated one of the employees in retaliation for raising health concerns associated with exposure to toluene diisocyanate.

"Employees have the right to raise occupational safety and health concerns without the fear of retaliation," said Kurt Petermeyer, OSHA's regional administrator in Atlanta. "OSHA will continue to seek litigation for companies that violate the whistleblower provisions of the OSH Act to protect employees who report violations."

Product Showcase

  • EMSL Analytical, Inc. - Air Sampling Supplies & Testing Labs

    EMSL Analytical, Inc. operates laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for Asbestos, Mold, Silica, Lead & Metals, Bacteria, Legionella, USP , Combustion By-Products, VOC’s, Radon, PCB’s, Formaldehyde, METH/Fentanyl, Identification of Dust & Unknowns. Sampling Pumps, Cassettes, Media & Supplies available. Reach us at 1-800.220.3675 Read More

  • HAZ LO HEADLAMPS

    With alkaline or rechargeable options, these safety rated, Class 1, Div. 1 Headlamps provide long runtime with both spot and flood options in the same light. Work safely and avoid trip hazards with flexible hands-free lighting from Streamlight. Read More

  • Preventative Heat Safety

    Dehydration and heat exposure impair physical and cognitive performance. Proper hydration boosts heat stress resilience, but hydration needs are highly individualized and hard to predict across a workforce. Connected Hydration® empowers industrial athletes to stay safe through behavioral interventions, informed by sports science, and equips safety teams with critical insights to anticipate high-risk situations and adapt to evolving environmental factors. Curious about applying the latest in sports science based hydration strategies for industrial athletes? Stop by booth #1112 at AIHA or schedule a free demo today at https://epcr.cc/demo. Read More

Featured

Artificial Intelligence