May 13, 2014
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999

US Department of Labor re-establishes Whistleblower Protection
Advisory Committee

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez today announced that he will re-establish the charter of the Whistleblower Protection Advisory Committee.

WPAC was established to advise and make recommendations to the secretary of labor and the assistant secretary for occupational safety and health on ways to improve the fairness, efficiency, effectiveness and transparency of OSHA's whistleblower protection activities. Through the committee, OSHA obtains advice from whistleblowers and worker advocates, employers and employer representatives, attorneys, experts in investigation and administrative law, academic researchers and others with expertise and experience in relevant areas.

Re-establishing WPAC will allow the committee to provide advice on improving investigative and enforcement processes, training for OSHA investigators, improving the regulations governing OSHA investigations and cooperative activities with federal agencies responsible for areas also covered by OSHA-enforced whistleblower protection statutes. The charter will remain in effect for two years.

Please direct general inquiries about this notice to Meghan Smith, OSHA Directorate of Whistleblower Protection Programs, at 202-693-2199 or at smith.meghan.p@dol.gov.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Labor Department news releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this release will be made available in alternative format upon request (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the Central Office for Assistive Services and Technology. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.