If a contractor is reported to DOSH by an employee for a safety violation and the contractor asks for the reporter's name, what will DOSH likely do regarding the reporter's name?

If a contractor is reported to DOSH by an employee for a safety violation and the contractor asks for the reporter's name, what will DOSH likely do regarding the reporter's name?

• A. Disclose the reporter's name to the contractor
• B. Disclose the reporter's name to management only
• C. Keep the reporter's name confidential and prohibit retaliation
• D. Publish the reporter's name publicly

Answer: (C)

When a safety complaint is filed with DOSH, protecting the reporter’s identity is a priority to encourage reporting and prevent retaliation. DOSH will keep the reporter’s name confidential and prohibit retaliation by the contractor or employer. The investigation may proceed with interviews and inspections, but the reporter’s identity is shielded from the employer to avoid intimidation. Retaliation against a whistleblower is illegal, and failing to protect the reporter can itself trigger penalties. Therefore, keeping the reporter’s name confidential while pursuing enforcement is the expected approach.

When a safety complaint is filed with DOSH, protecting the reporter’s identity is a priority to encourage reporting and prevent retaliation. DOSH will keep the reporter’s name confidential and prohibit retaliation by the contractor or employer. The investigation may proceed with interviews and inspections, but the reporter’s identity is shielded from the employer to avoid intimidation. Retaliation against a whistleblower is illegal, and failing to protect the reporter can itself trigger penalties. Therefore, keeping the reporter’s name confidential while pursuing enforcement is the expected approach.