Whistlebower Protection – New Enforcement Efforts

The U.S. Department of Labor continues to be one of the most activist DOL in recent history.  It has now established an Office of Whistleblower Protection (“OWPP”) under its OSHA division.  In addition to enforcing the non retaliation provisions of OSHA, this office will handle similar provisions under 18 other laws, from the  Sarbanes-Oxley Act to the recently enacted Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.  A listing of all the laws and regulations that the OWPP will be enforcing is listed on its website.  It would be prudent for all HR professionals to check this site to see whether your industry is one of those targeted by the OWPP for its stepped up enforcement efforts.