The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced that marine cargo service Maersk Line Limited wrongfully terminated a seaman for reporting safety concerns.
OSHA determined Maersk Line's termination of the seaman violated the federal Seaman's Protection Act. Seaman may report concerns directly to the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and are not required to follow any company policy that requires employees to report first to the company. The law protects the rights of seamen aboard a U.S.-registered vessel, or any vessel owned by a U.S. citizen to report safety concerns or violations of maritime laws and to cooperate with federal officials at any time.