OSHA Rolls Out Whistleblower Dispute Resolution Pilot; Move Lauded By Advocates, Industry

OSHA is generating praise from both industry and whistleblower advocates for rolling out a pilot program in two regions that will set up an alternative dispute resolution system to resolve whistleblower complaints outside the traditional process of investigation, hearing and appeal at the Labor Department. Sources say the tentative program -- to be tried out in the OSHA regions anchored by Chicago and San Francisco -- will provide new opportunities to avoid costly and lengthy legal battles over whistleblower complaints. The agency says the new alternative dispute resolution (ADR) can assist co