What protection does the OSH Act provide to employees who complain in good faith to their employer?

• A. They can be discharged
• B. They are protected from discharge or discrimination
• C. They will automatically receive a raise
• D. They will be promoted

Answer: (B)

When workers speak up about a safety issue in good faith, the OSH Act protects them from retaliation. This means an employer cannot fire, discipline, demote, or otherwise penalize someone for making a safety complaint or for participating in a OSHA-related investigation or process. The protection is intended to encourage reporting so hazards can be fixed, not to reward the employee with pay increases or promotions. Good faith means the complaint is honest and reasonable based on the facts known at the time; it doesn’t shield false or malicious reports. If retaliation occurs, the worker can seek remedies such as reinstatement and back pay through OSHA.