Department of Labor Alleges Georgia Pesticide Manufacturer Illegally Terminated Employee
OSHA Seeks Relief for Former Employee
The U.S. Department of Labor has taken action against a Lawrenceville pesticide and agricultural chemical manufacturer, Avenger Products LLC, accusing the company of unlawfully terminating an employee who raised safety concerns. The former customer service manager filed a safety and health complaint with the department, leading to their termination.
Legal Complaint Filed
The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, seeks compensation for the former employee in the form of back pay, compensatory and punitive damages, and aims to prevent future retaliation by Avenger Products LLC and its parent company Kittrich Corp.
Anti-Retaliation Laws Enforcement
Regional Solicitor of Labor Tremelle Howard emphasized the importance of employers abiding by anti-retaliation laws, especially when it comes to protecting workers who raise health and safety concerns in the workplace under the OSH Act. The Department of Labor is committed to using all available enforcement tools to combat such conduct.
Allegations of Violations
OSHA alleges that Avenger Products violated the Occupational Safety and Health Act by firing the worker for exercising their rights protected under the act. The termination followed the employee’s complaints about safety hazards related to chemical exposure in the workplace.
Whistleblower Protection Program
OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Program ensures that employees who report violations within various industries are safeguarded. Employees should not fear repercussions for raising legitimate safety and health concerns, and OSHA will continue to defend such individuals.
Employer’s History with OSHA
Avenger Products LLC previously received 40 citations and $254,189 in proposed penalties from June 2018 to December 2019. This history underscores the importance of prioritizing workplace safety and compliance with regulations.
Ensuring Safe Workplaces
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA plays a crucial role in setting and enforcing standards, offering training, education, and assistance to promote workplace safety.
Protecting Whistleblowers
For more information on whistleblower protections and OSHA’s efforts to uphold safety standards, visit OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Programs webpage.
Editor’s note: The U.S. Department of Labor does not disclose the names of employees involved in whistleblower complaints.