A new rule from OSHA establishes final procedures and timeframes for handling whistleblower complaints from workers in the railroad and public transportation industries. The rule, which became effective on Nov. 9, addresses worker protections from retaliation for reporting potential safety or security violations to their employers or the government under the National Transit Systems Security Act (NTSSA) and the Federal Railroad Safety Act (FRSA). NTSSA and FRSA cover employees of public transportation agencies and railroad carriers, respectively, including contractors and subcontractors. The new rule also includes final procedures and timeframes for employee complaints to OSHA; investigations by the agency; appeals of OSHA determinations to an administrative law judge for a hearing de novo; hearings by administrative law judges; review of administrative law judge decisions by the Administrative Review Board, which acts on behalf of the Secretary of Labor; and judicial review of the Secretary of Labor’s final decision. View the full text of the rule.