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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/osha-whistleblower-30-days

If your employer punishes you for using your OSHA safety rights, how long do you have to file a retaliation complaint?

30 days from the retaliation, under Section 11(c).

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  1. 30 days ✔
  2. 1 year
  3. 180 days

Why: Section 11(c) of the OSH Act bans firing or punishing workers for safety complaints. A worker who is punished must file with OSHA within 30 days of the retaliation.

Huh, didn't know that: Other whistleblower laws OSHA enforces have deadlines from 30 to 180 days, so 30 is the shortest.

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I was going to work at a shoe recycling plant, but it was sole destroying.
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References

Answer: 30 days. Section 11(c) of the OSH Act bans firing or punishing workers for safety complaints. A worker who is punished must file with OSHA within 30 days of the retaliation.

  1. OSH Act Section 11(c) (osha.gov) www.osha.gov/laws-regs/oshact/section_11
    may, within thirty days after such violation occurs, file a complaint with the Secretary alleging such discrimination
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. Workers' Rights (osha.gov) www.osha.gov/workers
    file a whistleblower complaint within 30 days of the retaliation
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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