Let’s go over a few things about the word “whistleblower”. Let’s look at the media; they portray it as David v. Goliath, the lowly hourly employee bringing down the big corporation. They make a big fuss; the poor person is paraded around like a circus clown, when he should be congratulated for a job well done.

A whistleblower isn’t a rat or stool pigeon; it’s someone who is concerned about their company and their wellbeing. It’s no different than seeing a bank robbery and calling the police. It’s part of being a good citizen; you see something wrong, you report it. If no one at your workplace is willing to listen, then go to the civil authorities. Wrong is wrong, if your company covers it up then report them. It’s not only your duty as a citizen, but as a concerned employee. You may be saving your own life and wellbeing as well as those around you.

OSHA has standards and regulations in place to protect those that “report their employers for wrong doing.

1. You cannot be fired or laid off .
2. You cannot be blacklisted.
3. You cannot be demoted.
4. You cannot be denied overtime or promotion.
5. You cannot be disciplined.
6. You cannot be refused benefits.
7. You cannot be intimidated.
8. You cannot be reassigned affecting prospects for promotion.

In summary:

If your employer is making you do things that you know are wrong, that may harm yourself, others, or the company in general, if you feel it’s against what you believe is just and fair – you need to report your supervisor or company.

Don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe in, I know it may be scary, stressful, and even intimidating. Sometimes you just need to the right thing no matter what. Click for more information about the Whistleblower Protection Program.