Court Denies Health Provider's Objection Over Whistleblower

Health Center and CEO allegedly violated OSHA law by terminating employee who reported concerns about workplace COVID-19 exposure.

By HFT Staff
November 4, 2022

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York recently denied a Staten Island, New York, health provider’s attempt to prevent the U.S. Department of Labor from pursuing damages for a COVID-19 whistleblower whose private state whistleblower claim was dismissed. 

In June 2021, the department filed suit against Community Health Center of Richmond Inc. and its CEO, Henry Thompson, alleging that they violated the Occupational Safety and Health Act when they suspended and later terminated an employee who reported their concerns about the potential for COVID-19 exposure at an in-person staff meeting. The OSH Act protects workers who report a hazardous work condition from retaliation. 

The employer sought to prevent the department from seeking individual damages for the whistleblower, arguing the dismissal of the former employee’s prior state whistleblower claim prevents the department from obtaining monetary relief for the aggrieved worker. A federal court rejected the employer’s argument, underscoring the department’s exclusive authority to seek damages for individual whistleblowers under the OSH Act. 




See the latest posts on our homepage Share

Topic Area: Industry News , Safety


Recent Posts
Recent Posts

Workplace Violence in Healthcare: Making Safety the Norm


As instances of violence rise, OSHA and the Joint Commission take steps to make healthcare facilities safer.

5/31/2023

OSHA Cites Hospital for Failing to Keep Employees Safe from Patients


Staff members of Big Lots Behavioral Health Pavilion reportedly suffered concussions, lacerations and sprains from patients.

5/31/2023

McCarthy Completes Construction on Two Structures for Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital


The project included a six-story medical office building and an attached seven-level parking garage

5/31/2023

AHA Sheds Light on Workplace Violence in Healthcare Facilities


This case study also offers advice and insight into how to mitigate violent incidents.

5/30/2023

More Hospitals to Leave the Mississippi Hospital Association


The reason for the hospitals leaving is still unclear.

5/30/2023






FREE
NEWSLETTER

News & Updates • Webcast Alerts • Building Technologies

All fields are required.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.


You Might Like