Whistleblowing, public

A second recommendation is that the ACS spell out that part of one s professionalism is mandatory disclosure of information about toxic and harmful effects of new or currently used chemicals. It is not enough for a scientist simply to know certain information which is of societal concern. It is imperative that the information go beyond company files and scientific journals and enter the domain of public interest. The art of delivering this information may at times have to include whistleblowing. 

The next step (granting good motivation and inability to act within traditional structures) is to choose a course of action which has maximum impact. Pick a responsible public media expert to carry the message. Make sure the news gets to the proper people. It is extremely important to choose the proper place and the proper time. Perhaps the choice must be a period when there is a low input of other news. Get it to where the people will read it. If possible do it in association with the professional society so that there will be proper support in case of a threat. Many of the points on whistleblowing have been spelled out in currently available books (2). 

EPA was required to conduct a study of the availability of liability insurance prior to October 1, 1990 and to conduct a study of ACM in public buildings and commercial buildings prior to October 22, 1987 The Act created whistleblower protections for people who provide information relating to a potential violation of its provisions and delegated responsibility for conducting reviews of any such allegations to the Secretary of Labor. An asbestos ombudsman position was created to deal with complaints and grievances submitted by anyone with respect to the provisions of the Act. ... 

Martin, B., Rifldn, W. (2004). The dynamics of employee dissent Whistleblowers and organizational Jiu-Jitsu. Public Organization Review, 4(3), 221-238. 

Under the current, inadequate whistleblower rules, workers in dangerous mines are forced to make a choice your paycheck or your life, said Justin Feldman, worker health and safety advocate with Public Citizen s Congress Watch division. 

Most labor and public safety laws and many environmental laws mandate whistleblower protections for employees who complain about violations of the law by their employers. Remedies can include job reinstatement and payment of back wages. OSHA enforces the whistleblower protections in most laws. 

The whistleblower proteotlon provisions of SOX were amended by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 to clarify that subsidiaries of publicly traded companies are covered employers under the statute, and to add nationally recognized statistical rating organizations as covered employers. The 2010... 

He also quoted the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility s press release that stated OSHA s Whistleblower Protection Program is hopelessly overwhelmed. Note more statntes with whistleblower protection provisions are coming (e g.. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act). Interestingly, during the Q A, Dr. Michaels conld not answer how many of the three percent (58) whistleblower complaints that had merit were actnally litigated. 

David Michaels. May 11, 2010. Whistleblowers and OSHA Strengthening Professional Integrity. Speech to Professionals for the Public Interest Washington, D.C. 

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