Utah Admin. Code 614-1-9

Current through Bulletin 2025-01, January 1, 2025

Section R614-1-9 - Retaliation

A . Section 34A-6-203 of the Utah OSH Act provides protection for employees who engage in protected activities under or related to the Utah OSH Act.

B . Engagement in Protected Activity. To establish a violation of Section 34A-6-203, the employee's engagement in protected activity need not be the sole consideration behind discharge or other adverse action. If protected activity was a substantial reason for the action, or if the discharge or other adverse action would not have taken place "but for" engagement in protected activity, Section 34A-6-203 has been violated.

C . Notification of Division's Findings.

Within 90 days of receipt of a whistleblower complaint, the division is to issue to the complainant and the respondent an order of the division's findings of whether a violation has or has not occurred, in accordance with section 34A-6-203(2)(c) of the Utah OSH Act. This 90-day provision is considered directory in nature whereas there may be instances when it is not possible to meet the directory period set forth in this rule.

D . Employee Refusal to Comply with Safety Rules.

Employees who refuse to comply with occupational safety and health standards or valid safety rules implemented by the employer in furtherance of the Utah OSH Act are not exercising any rights afforded by the Utah OSH Act. Disciplinary measures taken by employers solely in response to employee refusal to comply with appropriate safety rules and regulations will not ordinarily be regarded as retaliatory action prohibited by section 34A-6-203 of the Utah OSH Act.

Utah Admin. Code R614-1-9

Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2020-02, effective 12/23/2019