U.S. Department of Labor Investigation Results in Court Ordering a Pennsylvania Hair Salon to Pay $40,000 to Stylist Fired after Report of Health and Safety Hazards

KENNETT SQUARE, PA - After an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has entered a consent judgment ordering Blown Away Dry Bar and Salon – based in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania – to pay a $40,000 settlement to a fired hair stylist. The legal action resolves a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Labor.

OSHA investigators determined the defendants retaliated against the employee when her husband reported workplace safety and health hazards to OSHA, a violation of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act.

"Employees have the right to report workplace safety or health hazards without fear of retaliation from their employer," said Philadelphia Regional Administrator Richard Mendelson. "This settlement goes a long way in making this employee whole after she was fired for engaging in an activity that is protected by law."

In addition to the settlement, the judgment prohibits the defendants from offering any information about the complainant's work history beyond the dates of employment, the position she held, and the last salary or hourly wage while employed by the defendants. It also requires the defendants to prominently display the "Job Safety and Health, It's the Law" poster for 60 days and permanently enjoins the defendants from violating Section 11(c) provisions of the OSH Act.

OSHA enforces the whistleblower provisions of 22 statutes protecting employees who report violations of various airline, commercial motor carrier, consumer product, environmental, financial reform, food safety, motor vehicle safety, health care reform, nuclear, pipeline, public transportation agency, railroad, maritime, and securities laws. For more information, visit OSHA's Whistleblower Protection Programs page.

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 help ensure these conditions for American working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.