OSHA Launches "Expedited Case Processing Pilot" For Whistleblower Claims

On August 1, 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) launched a new pilot program, titled "Expedited Case Processing Pilot," in its Western region.  Here is the DOL's press release describing the program.  The program enables a complainant filing claims under whistleblower statutes to ask OSHA to cease its investigation and issue findings in an expedited fashion. 

In order for a complainant's case to move to the Office of Administrative Law Judges on an expedited basis, the following criteria must be met:

• The case must be filed under a statute that allows for de novo review by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ);
• 30 or 60 days – depending on the statute – have passed from the date the complainant first filed his or her complaint with OSHA;