Civil Rights Division: OSHA and Whistleblowing

Civil Rights Division: OSHA and Whistleblowing

It is against the law to retaliate against an employee because the employee reported or opposed a workplace health or safety violation. If you have done so and think that your employer has retaliated against you because of it, please fill out and submit this questionnaire.

This is not an OSHA claim. If you need to report a workplace health or safety violation, call OR-OSHA at (503) 229-5910.

IMPORTANT: You MUST file a complaint with BOLI within 90 days of the retaliatory act to allege unlawful retaliation for reporting a safety/health violation. (OSHA)

What we investigate: The Civil Rights Division (CRD) investigates allegations of employment discrimination or retaliation and any supporting substantial evidence you submit.

Employment at will: Oregon is an "employment at will" state, which means that employers are free to hire and fire for any reason that does not violate the law. Not all unfair discriminatory treatment is unlawful.

Time limits: You must file a Complaint within one year (or 90 days for an OSHA claim) of the date of any discriminatory action/harm. CRD can only investigate unlawful discrimination that has occurred within one year (or 90 days for an OSHA claim) from the date of the unlawful act. Please submit your questionnaire promptly to allow time for the intake interview, drafting of the charge, sending/receiving time, signing and returning to BOLI before the one year (or 90 days for an OSHA claim) anniversary.

What is the questionnaire: The questionnaire is a form which assists the intake staff in determining whether the division has jurisdiction to investigate the claims, and if so, the information provided on this form will be used to draft the complaint. If you file a formal complaint, the questionnaire will become part of a public record once the case is closed.

Filling out the questionnaire: you must complete all applicable portions of this questionnaire. Additional documents are not required at this stage.

Procedure: It takes approximately 10 business days to hear back from CRD. You will be contacted as soon as your questionnaire is assigned to an Intake Officer.

Contact Information: It is your responsibility to contact this office in writing advising us of changes in your address or phone number.

Retaliation: Not all adverse actions are unlawful. For CRD to have jurisdiction over a retaliation claim, you must show that the retaliation occurred because of your involvement in a protected activity. There are many instances of retaliation over which CRD does not have jurisdiction.

Private Attorney: You may consult an attorney at any time before or during a CRD investigation. Your attorney may also draft and submit your complaint, but it must contain your signature. You are not required to retain an attorney.