Many laws protect employees who report illegal or unsafe conduct. Protection depends on what you report, who you report to and which law applies, so details matter.
Examples of protected reports
- Safety violations reported to a workplace safety agency.
- Wage theft or overtime violations.
- Fraud against the government or investors.
- Discrimination or harassment.
- Violations of environmental, health or consumer laws.
What retaliation looks like
Illegal retaliation includes firing, demotion, pay cuts, schedule cuts, harassment or blacklisting because you made a protected report. Retaliation claims are common, and a worker can sometimes win even if the underlying complaint does not.
Protect yourself
- Write down what you saw, when and who was involved, and save relevant documents you are allowed to keep.
- Report through the proper channel in writing, and keep a copy.
- Know the deadline for retaliation claims, which can be as short as 30 days under some laws and longer under others.
- Avoid taking confidential records you are not entitled to, which can create separate legal problems.
- Speak with an employment or whistleblower attorney early.
Public and private employers
Different laws cover private companies, government employees and federal contractors. Some include financial rewards for reporting fraud. An attorney can help identify the right agency and law.
Frequently asked questions
Can I report anonymously?
Some agencies accept anonymous reports, but anonymity can limit follow-up and protection.
Does my report have to be correct?
Protection often applies if you had a reasonable, good-faith belief, even if you are later proven wrong.