If you work for a company you know does illegal activities, such as illegally dumping waste or stealing company funds, but you are too afraid to tell someone, the "whistleblower law" is there for your protection. In Ohio, the whistleblower law will protect you from unfair action by your employer and by the government.

What it Protects

The whistleblower law is put in place to make sure reporting foul play doesn't result in a firing or permanent damage. According to OhioDiscriminationLaws.com, this also includes blacklisting, refusal of benefits or of an earned promotion, any harassment, and cuts in pay or working hours.

Reporting a Problem

While the whistleblower law is there for your protection, there are certain steps that must be followed in order for a claim to even be considered in a court of law. The first of these steps is notifying your superior. When you see a problem in the workplace or get a hint that something illegal is going on, you must submit either a verbal (with written documentation) or written complaint with details of the problem.

24-Hour Wait Period

After the initial complaint, your company has a 24-hour period to take action. You must honor that time before you get the government involved with any of the proceedings. If the company takes action against the problem, they are off the hook.

Contacting the OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) office is your contact if your employer takes action against you, or doesn't fix the problem. They will evaluate your claim and advise you on how to proceed (either filing a lawsuit, or filing an OSHA complaint).

Whistleblower Lawsuits

Lawsuits based on the whistleblower law are filed in common pleas court. If you win, according to FindLaw.com, you have the right to collect back wages, get your job back, and collect money towards your court fees.

Source:

OhioDiscriminationLaws.com

FindLaw.com

Whistleblower Law and Information