Can my boss fire me for complaining about workplace safety?

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Can my boss fire me for complaining about workplace safety?

Complaining about workplace safety issues, whether orally or in writing, is a protected activity under the law. It is illegal for an employer to fire an employee in retaliation for filing a complaint about unsafe working conditions. Employers cannot engage in other negative actions, such as demotions or pay cuts, against employees who report safety violations.

Employers are prohibited from firing or punishing employees who complain about workplace safety issues to their supervisor, human resources or a government agency like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). An employee does not have to identify the specific safety regulation that the employer is violating. It is enough for the employee to report in good faith what they believe to be an unsafe work environment.

Additionally, employers cannot retaliate against workers who refuse to carry out job duties that violate an occupational health or safety standard.⁠ Employees who must testify in court about hazardous work conditions are also protected from termination or other forms of retaliation.

Every California employee has the right to work in a safe environment. If you suspect you were fired for an illegal reason, speak to an experienced wrongful termination lawyer. McCormack Law Firm can help you determine whether you have a case against your employer.

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Client testimonials

This law firm was the only one to answer the phone out of the 15-20 law firms that I called that day. I had a wrongful termination case and Bryan really took the time to listen and understand what happened in my situation, and he knows the law to a T. – Shanic M.

I was owed wages and overtime and my employer refused to pay me. So I hired them to file a lawsuit. Bryan easily understood my very complicated case and I am happy with the results. – Ebi Z.

I didn’t have to pay anything, the firm took the whole risk of managing the case. Through the 14 months, Bryan always kept me updated, was very responsive and patient to questions I had. We achieved a resolution out of court in my favor, making me even happier about the experience. – Peter S.

I can honestly say that my experience with Bryan was all the way positive from day one… We had very high expectations about our case and in the end we got what we hoped for. – Roger J.

I won my trial and I got more than I expected. Everyone in the office is so nice and helpful. Even after everything was finished I could call a few weeks after and ask questions to make sure I was protected and they are more than helpful. – Husain N.

I never had to pay Bryan anything up front, nor was ever pressured to settle early. We ended up settling morning of the trial. Bryan is a really sharp, aggressive, seasoned attorney and knew the law inside and out about whistleblower cases. – Kyle B.

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