OSHA Files Whistleblower Retaliation Case Against Missouri Carbon Fiber Manufacturer

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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently filed a whistleblower protection claim against a carbon fiber manufacturer based in Missouri that fired an employee who had reported safety concerns to the company.

According to the information released by the U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA investigated the allegations made by the worker, and ultimately felt there was sufficient evidence to file an official complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.

Case background

The defendant is Zoltek Corp., based in St. peters, Missouri. According to the whistleblower, the company fired him in April 2019, just two weeks after he reported unsafe working conditions at the plant.

He seeks to be paid back wages and additional damages, and wishes to be reinstated to his permission. The complaint from OSHA also seeks an order that would require Zoltek to post notices on premises regarding employees’ rights to report concerns about unsafe working conditions without fear of being retaliated against.

Zoltek is disputing the allegations made in the OSHA complaint.

Whistleblowers have the right to speak up about safety issues without being fired for their actions. Federal law affords whistleblowers a number of protections to ensure they will feel comfortable coming forward with the information they have to assist the authorities in enforcing laws, including those governing workplace safety.

If you have been the victim of retaliation or wrongful termination as a result of blowing the whistle on illegal behavior in the workplace, contact an experienced whistleblower lawyer at Kardell Law Group for legal representation as you move forward in your case.

By Steve Kardell | Published June 17, 2021 | Posted in Whistleblower Litigation

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