On Further Investigation

I joined the U.S. Labor Dept.'s MBA Fellows Program, a rotational program for recent MBA graduates, after finishing my MBA in 2002 (see BW Online, 7/11/05, "How the Labor Dept. Hires MBAs"). Since I finished the program in January, 2005, I have worked full-time as an investigator in the whistleblower program at the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), which is the main federal agency overseeing workplace safety, in its Region VIII office in Denver. I oversee activities in the states of Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

OSHA covers whistleblower statutes dealing with the environment, trucking, general employee health & safety, air-carrier safety, corporate fraud, and pipeline safety. My job responsibilities include the screening of incoming whistleblower complaints to determine whether the complaint was filed in a timely fashion and whether OSHA has jurisdiction to investigate the case.

After it's determined that OSHA has jurisdiction, the investigation process begins by obtaining background information about the company, securing various company documents, and interviewing the complainant, witnesses, and management officials. All investigations are completed within 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on the whistleblower statute.

CASE BY CASE.  Once the investigation is done, I evaluate the evidence and write a report detailing the facts of the case. Finally, I make recommendations to the supervisor on appropriate actions to take regarding the merits of the case. Depending on the determination, the case can be settled or forwarded for litigation. Otherwise, the complainant can withdraw it, or OSHA will dismiss it with appeal rights.

Here's a snapshot of a typical day on the job:

8:15 a.m. -- Arrive at work in downtown Denver.

8:30 a.m. -- Review my e-mails, check voice mails, and plan my strategy for the work day by reviewing the status of my case files...

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