Thursday, November 05, 2009
OSHA whistleblower files new motion to get job back
An OSHA employee who alleges he was fired for criticizing the accuracy of the agency's injury and illness data filed a motion this week to return to work during his ongoing appeal of his termination.
Robert Whitmore oversaw OSHA recordkeeping requirements and was placed on administrative leave in 2007 for his criticism, according to Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, a Washington-based alliance of government employees representing Whitmore. PEER claims Whitmore was fired (.pdf file) shortly after the Washington Post published an article about him in February 2009.
In the "stay" motion (.pdf file) filed Nov. 3, Whitmore asked to be reinstated to his post pending the outcome of his appeal to the government's Merit Systems Protection Board.
Noting OSHA's recently launched National Emphasis Program on recordkeeping, PEER attorney Christine Erickson said in a press release that Whitmore should be "allowed to end his career implementing the measures he fought to bring about."
A Department of Labor spokesperson said the Privacy Act prohibits the agency from commenting on personnel matters.