Department of Labor finds New Mexico company wrongfully fired inspector who raised concerns during gas pipeline installation at Oklahoma site
OKLAHOMA CITY – The U.S. Department of Labor has ordered a New Mexico-based inspection company to reinstate and compensate a terminated worker who reported safety concerns during the installation of a natural gas pipeline in Watonga, Oklahoma.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigated a whistleblower complaint filed against the employer alleging that a construction crew was installing a pipeline without following federal regulations. The complainant exercised “stop work authority” to halt the installation and contacted an independent third-party testing company to verify the observed concerns, which the employer later confirmed as valid. The employer subsequently fired the inspector, alleging failure to follow the established chain of command and complete the probationary period.
OSHA determined that the employer wrongfully terminated the inspector for engaging in protected activities under the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act, which protects employees from retaliation for reporting violations of federal laws related to pipeline safety and security. OSHA ordered the employer to reinstate the employee and pay back wages, interest, and compensatory damages, totaling more than $35,000.
Source: https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/dallas/20260423