OSHA Orders Reinstatement After Inspector Fired Over Pipeline Safety Concerns

OSHA has ordered a pipeline inspection firm to reinstate a worker who was fired after raising safety concerns during a natural gas pipeline installation in Oklahoma.

(P&GJ) — The U.S. Department of Labor has ordered a New Mexico-based inspection company to reinstate and compensate a worker who was terminated after raising safety concerns during a natural gas pipeline installation in Oklahoma.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that the employee was wrongfully fired after reporting potential violations during pipeline construction near Watonga, Oklahoma.

According to OSHA, the inspector halted work using stop-work authority and requested independent testing to verify concerns about the installation. The company later confirmed the issues but subsequently terminated the worker.

OSHA determined the dismissal violated protections under the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act, which prohibits retaliation against employees who report pipeline safety concerns.

The agency ordered the company, Legacy Energy and Distribution LLC, to reinstate the employee and pay more than $35,000 in back wages, interest and damages.

Federal officials said the case underscores the importance of allowing workers to report safety issues without fear of retaliation.