In every workplace, staff must follow certain rules to ensure the safety and well-being of all employees. However, violations often occur, leading to various consequences.
In the event of a violation, workplace whistleblowers can inform the necessary authorities to ensure safety and fairness remain intact.
Wage and hour violations
One of the most prevalent violations in the workplace involves wage and hour laws. This includes not paying employees the minimum wage, failing to provide overtime pay or misclassifying employees as exempt from overtime. Such violations can result in financial penalties for employers.
Workplace safety violations
Workplace safety is highly important, yet violations in this area are far too common. This can include failure to provide proper safety equipment, inadequate training on safety protocols or ignoring hazardous conditions. Workplace safety violations can lead to accidents, injuries and even fatalities, so timely reporting can prevent serious issues.
Discrimination and harassment
Discrimination and harassment have no place in any working environment. Violations in this realm can involve discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion or disability. As for harassment, it can be verbal, physical or sexual. Such behavior not only creates a hostile work environment but also opens the door to legal repercussions for employers.
Employment misclassification
Employers may misclassify workers as independent contractors rather than employees, depriving them of essential benefits such as health insurance, paid leave and workers’ compensation. Misclassification can also result in the non-payment of taxes, leading to legal and financial consequences for employers.
Violations of leave rights
Violations of leave rights occur when employers deny or interfere with employees’ rights to take leave for legitimate reasons. Consider that employees have access to various types of leave, including sick leave, family and medical leave and military leave, among others.
Retaliation against whistleblowers
Laws protect employees who report workplace violations from retaliation. However, some employers may retaliate against whistleblowers by demoting, firing or otherwise penalizing them. Retaliation against whistleblowers is illegal and can lead to major consequences for employers.
Every person deserves to work in a safe, fair and lawful environment. By calling out violations, employees help maintain such an environment and prevent future wrongdoing.