OSHA Orders Reinstatement After Retaliation Over Safety Concerns -- Occupational Health & Safety

OSHA Orders Reinstatement After Retaliation Over Safety Concerns

Federal investigators found a Texas trucking company violated whistleblower protections by firing a driver who raised vehicle safety issues.

By Stasia DeMarco
Jan 09, 2026

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has ordered a Texas trucking company to reinstate a driver and pay more than $100,000 in damages after finding the worker was fired for reporting safety concerns.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA’s investigation determined the company violated federal whistleblower protections by terminating the employee after the driver raised concerns related to vehicle safety. OSHA ordered the employer to reinstate the worker, provide back wages with interest, and pay compensatory damages.

The action was taken under statutes enforced by OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Program, which protects workers from retaliation for reporting unsafe working conditions or participating in safety-related activities.

OSHA officials said the case underscores federal protections for workers who report safety concerns and the agency’s commitment to enforcing whistleblower laws to prevent retaliation.

About the Author

Stasia DeMarco is the Content Editor for OH&S.

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