Retaliation for Reporting Safety Violations: Know Your Rights
Construction sites can be dangerous places, which is why California has strict safety laws to protect workers. If something on your job site feels unsafe, you have the right to report it. But what happens when your boss punishes you for speaking up? That’s called retaliation, and it’s illegal. Knowing your rights is the first step to protecting yourself.
What Is Workplace Retaliation?
Retaliation happens when an employer punishes a worker for doing something that is legally protected. For example, if a construction worker reports unsafe conditions and is then fired, demoted, or harassed, that may be considered retaliation. In California, it’s illegal for an employer to retaliate against you for reporting safety violations.
Your Right to a Safe Workplace
Under California law and the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), all workers have the right to a safe workplace. That includes:
- The right to report unsafe working conditions to your supervisor or Cal/OSHA
- The right to refuse dangerous work when there’s an immediate threat to health or safety
- The right to file a complaint with Cal/OSHA without fear of punishment
If a scaffold is unstable, a trench is improperly supported, or a coworker is operating equipment without proper training, you should report it. Your health—and the health of your coworkers—depends on it.
Examples of Retaliation
Retaliation can show up in many different ways. Some common examples include:
- Getting fired or laid off after reporting a danger
- Being moved to less desirable tasks or shifts
- Receiving negative performance reviews without reason
- Verbal abuse or threats from supervisors
- Being denied overtime or promotions
If any of this has happened to you after you reported a safety issue, it could be illegal retaliation.
What Can You Do?
If you believe you are being retaliated against, there are steps you can take to protect your rights:
- Write down what happened, including dates, names, and what was said or done
- Save any relevant emails, texts, or written documents
- File a complaint with Cal/OSHA within six months of the retaliation
- Talk to an experienced employment attorney
Even if you fear losing your job, remember that you are protected under the law. Keeping quiet about unsafe conditions can lead to serious injuries—or worse.
Call Jonny Law for Help
If you’re a construction worker in California and think you’re facing retaliation for reporting unsafe conditions, don’t wait. Talk to someone who knows how to help. Call Jonny Law at 800-566-4868 for a free consultation. You don’t have to go through this alone—know your rights and stand up for your safety.