Reporting safety violations in the workplace takes courage—especially when the violations are being actively concealed. Employees who witness and report falsified safety inspections are often doing so at great personal and professional risk. California law offers protections for these whistleblowers, but the process of filing a claim can be complex and intimidating without experienced legal guidance.
Here’s what you need to know about whistleblower protections and how to move forward if you’ve faced retaliation after speaking up.
What Counts as a Falsified Safety Inspection?
Falsified safety inspections occur when an employer or supervisor deliberately misrepresents workplace safety conditions. Examples may include:
- Skipping required inspections and submitting false reports
- Downplaying or omitting known hazards (e.g., mold, chemical exposure, faulty equipment)
- Falsifying logs related to fire safety, emergency exits, or machine maintenance
- Pressuring inspectors to ignore or underreport violations
These practices put workers at risk, especially in environments involving heavy machinery, hazardous materials, or strict compliance standards.
Legal Protections for Whistleblowers
California has some of the strongest whistleblower protection laws in the country. Employees who report unsafe working conditions or illegal conduct—whether internally or to a government agency—are protected from retaliation under:
- California Labor Code § 1102.5: Protects employees who report violations of local, state, or federal law.
- Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA): Provides federal protections for reporting unsafe work environments.
- California Whistleblower Protection Act: Extends protections to certain public employees.
Retaliation can include termination, demotion, suspension, loss of benefits, harassment, or other adverse actions.
What To Do After Reporting Falsified Safety Inspections
If you’ve reported falsified safety inspections and are now facing retaliation, taking swift, strategic steps is critical.
1. Document Everything
Keep detailed records of:
- What you reported and when
- How the falsified inspections were discovered
- Who you reported it to (supervisor, HR, agency, etc.)
- Any retaliatory behavior or changes to your job
- Emails, texts, or witness statements that support your claim
2. File a Complaint With the Right Agency
Depending on your situation, you may need to file a complaint with:
- California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA)
- California Labor Commissioner’s Office
- U.S. Department of Labor (OSHA) for federal claims
Timelines are critical. Some complaints must be filed within 30 to 180 days of the retaliatory action.
3. Contact a Whistleblower Attorney
Navigating whistleblower claims without legal support can be overwhelming. An employment law attorney can:
- Evaluate the strength of your case
- Help you file complaints correctly and on time
- Represent you in negotiations or litigation
- Pursue compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and more
Compensation for Whistleblower Retaliation
If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to:
- Reinstatement to your former job
- Back pay with interest
- Compensation for emotional distress or reputational harm
- Attorney’s fees and legal costs
- Punitive damages in some cases
You’re Not Alone—Get Help Protecting Your Rights
Whistleblowers play a vital role in keeping workplaces safe. If your employer has retaliated against you for reporting falsified safety inspections, don’t face the legal system alone. The protections are there—but enforcing them requires experienced legal help.
Call PLBH at (800) 435-7542 today for a confidential consultation. We’re here to fight for your rights and help you hold employers accountable.