Worker Rights and Whistleblower Protection (OSH Act Section 11(c))

Última actualización: octubre 5, 2026

5 modules
13 pages
about 15 minutes

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Worker Rights and Whistleblower Protection (OSH Act Section 11(c))

Lección 1

Curso interactivo

For workers and new hires: what safety activity the law protects from retaliation, when refusing a dangerous task is protected, what is not protected, and how and when to file a retaliation complaint.

What this certificate covers

This certificate records completion of awareness training based on OSHA 29 CFR 1977.3, 1977.4, 1977.5, 1977.6, 1977.9, 1977.10, 1977.12, 1977.15, 1977.18, 1977.22 and 1977.23. It is not an OSHA card or license, and it is not legal advice. Part 1977 has no training requirement. It explains section 11(c) of the OSH Act, under which no person may discharge or in any manner discriminate against an employee because the employee filed a complaint, started or testified in a proceeding, or exercised a right under the Act. Workers with a specific retaliation concern should contact OSHA promptly, because the period for filing a section 11(c) complaint is 30 days after the violation occurs.

What you will learn

Recognize the safety activities that are protected from retaliation
Decide when refusing a dangerous task is protected, and what to do first
Tell apart protected activity from conduct that can still be disciplined
File a retaliation complaint the right way, on time

What you get

About 15 minutes, on your phone or computer, read out loud as you go
Real photos, not cartoons
A hands-on drill: you make the calls, step by step, and see what happens
4 quick checks along the way, then a final quiz
A certificate with a QR code your employer can check online
A wallet card you can print and carry
A printable study guide (PDF)

Training a crew? Add your workers, see who finished, and keep every certificate in one place. Train your team →

Course outline

What is protected: Four kinds of protected activity; Who is protected, and who cannot retaliate
Refusing dangerous work: When a refusal is protected
What is not protected: Protection is not immunity
Filing a complaint: 30 days, no special form
On the job

Questions

What does Worker Rights and Whistleblower Protection (OSH Act Section 11(c)) cover?

You will be able to: recognize the safety activities that are protected from retaliation; decide when refusing a dangerous task is protected, and what to do first; tell apart protected activity from conduct that can still be disciplined; file a retaliation complaint the right way, on time.

Who is this course for?

It is written for workers and people starting a safety career.

How long does it take?

About 15 minutes, on a phone or a computer. You can stop and pick up where you left off.

Do I get a certificate?

Yes. Score 80% or better on the final quiz and you get a certificate with a code your employer can check.

Which OSHA rule is it based on?

Based on OSHA 29 CFR Part 1977 (interpretations of section 11(c) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act). It is awareness training: it is not an OSHA card, and your employer still has to train you on their own equipment and plan.

Course facts

Who it is for: Workers and people starting a safety career
Trainer: Marc Harvey, Site Safety Officer (OSHA 30, CPR, USACE CQM)
Time: about 15 minutes, on your phone or computer
Final quiz pass mark: 80%, with a certificate employers can verify
Based on OSHA 29 CFR Part 1977 (interpretations of section 11(c) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act) (official text)
Printable study guide (PDF) with the key points and practice questions, included with the course
Answer key with OSHA citations for trainers (trainer plans)
Facts checked word for word against the official text (1 sources)
29 CFR 1977