What Are Whistleblower Protections for Injured Chicago Workers?

Whistleblower protections could be incredibly important for injured Chicago workers. Once you understand these legal protections, you may find it easier to report safety violations, hold your supervisors accountable, and pursue workers’ compensation claims. What exactly are whistleblower protections? How do they work? These are questions you might want to ask an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Chicago.

Whistleblower Protections Allow You to Report Safety Issues 

A whistleblower protection is something that protects people who want to report wrongdoing. Whistleblower protections exist in many areas of the United States economy, and workers can exercise them in many ways. However, one of the most common whistleblower protections applies to safety concerns in the workplace.

The concept of whistleblower protection is quite simple. If you report a safety concern, your boss can’t fire you or retaliate against you in any way. “Retaliation” in this context has a broad definition, encompassing demotion, withholding benefits, not being hired for other roles, and being forced to endure unpleasant working conditions.

Does Illinois Have Its Own Whistleblower Protections? 

Illinois has its own state whistleblower protections. In fact, Illinois is continually expanding on these whistleblower protections. In 2025, Illinois House Bill 5561 expanded the state Whistleblower Act to give employees even more rights when reporting safety issues.

As long as you report a safety issue in “good faith,” you can report a safety issue without fearing any “adverse action.” In this context, adverse action includes virtually anything that an employee would find “materially adverse.” This wider definition allows you to avoid any kind of retaliation from your employer, no matter how subtle.

What About the Federal Government?

The federal government also has its own whistleblower protections. The federal Whistleblower Protection Act prevents your boss from firing you, demoting you, denying you overtime hours, or reducing your pay.

Five different federal agencies enforce whistleblower protections. These include OSHA, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), the Wage and Hour Division (WHD), and the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS).

What if My Boss Threatens Me After I Report or Attempt to Report an Accident?

Whether an accident has already occurred or you’re concerned about a safety issue at your workplace, your boss will face serious consequences if they try to stop you from reporting it. If you face this kind of misconduct, consider speaking with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer.

Can a Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Me?

A Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer may be able to help if you need to learn more about whistleblower protections. However, you do not need a legal education in order to exercise these rights. If you’re concerned about a safety issue at work, you can report it without fearing termination or any other retaliation. If you’re having any issues with accident reports or workers’ compensation, contact Connolly Injury Law today.

Sources: 

dol.gov/general/topics/whistleblower

illinois.gov/services/service.whistleblower-protection.html