Filing deadlines, covered industries, and enforcement mechanisms for the 25 federal whistleblower protection statutes administered by OSHA. Each statute protects employees who report violations in a specific industry and requires complaints to be filed within a set number of days — from 30 (OSH Act, Clean Air Act) to 180 (SOX, FRSA, ACA). Missing the deadline bars the complaint regardless of merit.

Federal Whistleblower Protection Filing Deadlines by Statute


**statute_short_name:** Affordable Care Act (ACA)

**usc_citation:** 29 U.S.C. § 218C

**filing_deadline_days:** 180

**covered_industry:** Health insurance reform

**enforcement_mechanism:** Complaint filed with Secretary of Labor; procedures follow 15 U.S.C. § 2087(b) (CPSIA whistleblower provision)

**private_right_of_action:** Yes; employee may file in federal court per the procedures of 15 U.S.C. § 2087(b)

> Under Section 1558 of the ACA, retaliation complaints must be filed within 180 days of the adverse action, as required under 15 U.S.C. §2087(b), the whistleblower provision of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.

Source: <https://www.whistleblowers.gov/statutes/aca>

Affordable Care Act (ACA) — Federal Whistleblower Protection Filing Deadlines by Statute

covered_industry, enforcement_mechanism, private_right_of_action, statute_short_name, usc_citation


**statute_short_name:** Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA)

**usc_citation:** 31 U.S.C. § 5323

**filing_deadline_days:** 90

**covered_industry:** Anti-money laundering / Bank Secrecy Act enforcement

**enforcement_mechanism:** Complaint filed with Secretary of Labor; governed by requirements under section 42121(b) of title 49 (AIR21 procedures); alternatively, action in district court if no final decision within 180 days

**private_right_of_action:** Yes; if the Secretary of Labor has not issued a final decision within 180 days of the filing of a complaint, and there is no showing that such a delay is due to the bad faith of the claimant, bringing an action against the employer at law or in equity in the appropriate district court of the United States

> 90 Days
>
> Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA)

Source: <https://www.whistleblowers.gov/complaint_page>

Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) — Federal Whistleblower Protection Filing Deadlines by Statute

covered_industry, enforcement_mechanism, statute_short_name, usc_citation


**statute_short_name:** Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)

**usc_citation:** 15 U.S.C. §2651

**filing_deadline_days:** 90

**covered_industry:** Asbestos abatement in schools and public buildings

**enforcement_mechanism:** Secretary of Labor reviews the complaint; investigation conducted in accordance with section 660(c) of Title 29

**private_right_of_action:** No

> Any public or private employee or representative of employees who believes he or she has been fired or otherwise discriminated against in violation of subsection (a) may within 90 days after the alleged violation occurs apply to the Secretary of Labor for a review of the firing or alleged discrimination. The review shall be conducted in accordance with section 660(c) of Title 29.

Source: <https://www.whistleblowers.gov/statutes/ahera>

Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) — Federal Whistleblower Protection Filing Deadlines by Statute

covered_industry, private_right_of_action, statute_short_name, usc_citation


**statute_short_name:** Clean Air Act (CAA)

**usc_citation:** 42 U.S.C. § 7622

**filing_deadline_days:** 30

**covered_industry:** Air quality and emissions

**enforcement_mechanism:** Complaint filed with Secretary of Labor; Secretary investigates and issues an order on the record after notice and opportunity for public hearing

**private_right_of_action:** No; review is by the Secretary's order, appealable to U.S. Court of Appeals; employee may enforce a Secretary's order in district court

> Any employee who believes that he has been discharged or otherwise discriminated against by any person in violation of subsection (a) may, within thirty days after such violation occurs, file (or have any person file on his behalf a complaint with the Secretary of Labor (hereinafter in this subsection referred to as the "Secretary") alleging such discharge or discrimination.

Source: <https://www.whistleblowers.gov/statutes/caa>

Clean Air Act (CAA) — Federal Whistleblower Protection Filing Deadlines by Statute

covered_industry, enforcement_mechanism, filing_deadline_days, private_right_of_action, statute_short_name, usc_citation


**statute_short_name:** Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)

**usc_citation:** 42 U.S.C. §9610

**filing_deadline_days:** 30

**covered_industry:** Hazardous waste cleanup and environmental response

**enforcement_mechanism:** Secretary of Labor investigates, provides opportunity for public hearing, makes findings of fact, and issues order requiring affirmative action to abate the violation or denying the application; order is subject to judicial review

**private_right_of_action:** No

> Any employee or a representative of employees who believes that he has been fired or otherwise discriminated against by any person in violation of subsection (a) of this section may, within thirty days after such alleged violation occurs, apply to the Secretary of Labor for a review of such firing or alleged discrimination.

Source: <https://www.whistleblowers.gov/statutes/cercla>

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) — Federal Whistleblower Protection Filing Deadlines by Statute


**statute_short_name:** Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 (CFPA)

**usc_citation:** 12 U.S.C. § 5567

**filing_deadline_days:** 180

**covered_industry:** Consumer financial products and services

**enforcement_mechanism:** Secretary of Labor investigates, determines reasonable cause within 60 days, issues preliminary order; either party may request hearing on the record; Secretary issues final order within 120 days of hearing conclusion

**private_right_of_action:** Yes, if the Secretary of Labor has not issued a final order within 210 days after the date of filing of a complaint, or within 90 days after receiving a written determination, the complainant may bring an action at law or equity for de novo review in the appropriate district court

> A person who believes that he or she has been discharged or otherwise discriminated against by any person in violation of subsection (a) may, not later than 180 days after the date on which such alleged violation occurs, file (or have any person file on his or her behalf) a complaint with the Secretary of Labor alleging such discharge or discrimination and identifying the person responsible for such act.

Source: <https://www.whistleblowers.gov/statutes/dfa_1057>

Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 (CFPA) — Federal Whistleblower Protection Filing Deadlines by Statute


**statute_short_name:** Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA)

**usc_citation:** 15 U.S.C. §2087

**filing_deadline_days:** 180

**covered_industry:** Consumer product manufacturing, distribution, and retail

**enforcement_mechanism:** Secretary of Labor investigates, determines reasonable cause within 60 days, issues preliminary order; either party may request hearing on the record; Secretary issues final order within 120 days of hearing conclusion

**private_right_of_action:** Yes, if the Secretary has not issued a final decision within 210 days after the filing of the complaint, or within 90 days after receiving a written determination, the complainant may bring an action at law or equity for de novo review in the appropriate district court

> A person who believes that he or she has been discharged or otherwise discriminated against by any person in violation of subsection (a) may, not later than 180 days after the date on which such violation occurs, file (or have any person file on his or her behalf) a complaint with the Secretary of Labor alleging such discharge or discrimination and identifying the person responsible for such act.

Source: <https://www.whistleblowers.gov/statutes/cpsia>

Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) — Federal Whistleblower Protection Filing Deadlines by Statute


**statute_short_name:** Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act (CAARA)

**usc_citation:** 15 U.S.C. § 7a-3

**filing_deadline_days:** 180

**covered_industry:** Antitrust enforcement

**enforcement_mechanism:** Complaint filed with Secretary of Labor; governed under the rules and procedures set forth in section 42121(b) of title 49; Secretary of Labor may issue orders

**private_right_of_action:** Yes, if the Secretary of Labor has not issued a final decision within 180 days of the filing of the complaint and there is no showing that such delay is due to the bad faith of the claimant, bringing an action at law or equity for de novo review in the appropriate district court

> A complaint under paragraph (1)(A) shall be filed with the Secretary of Labor not later than 180 days after the date on which the violation occurs.

Source: <https://www.whistleblowers.gov/statutes/caara>

Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act (CAARA) — Federal Whistleblower Protection Filing Deadlines by Statute


**statute_short_name:** Energy Reorganization Act (ERA)

**usc_citation:** 42 U.S.C. § 5851

**filing_deadline_days:** 180

**covered_industry:** Nuclear energy

**enforcement_mechanism:** Complaint filed with Secretary of Labor; Secretary investigates and issues an order on the record after notice and opportunity for public hearing; preliminary order issued upon recommended decision of merit

**private_right_of_action:** Yes; if the Secretary has not issued a final decision within 1 year after the filing of a complaint, and there is no showing that such delay is due to the bad faith of the person seeking relief, such person may bring an action at law or equity for de novo review in the appropriate district court of the United States

> Any employee who believes that he has been discharged or otherwise discriminated against by any person in violation of subsection (a) may, within 180 days after such violation occurs, file (or have any person file on his behalf) a complaint with the Secretary of Labor (in this section referred to as the "Secretary") alleging such discharge or discrimination.

Source: <https://www.whistleblowers.gov/statutes/era_2005>

Energy Reorganization Act (ERA) — Federal Whistleblower Protection Filing Deadlines by Statute


**statute_short_name:** FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)

**usc_citation:** 21 U.S.C. § 399d

**filing_deadline_days:** 180

**covered_industry:** Food manufacturing, processing, packing, transporting, distribution, reception, holding, and importation

**enforcement_mechanism:** Secretary of Labor investigates, determines reasonable cause within 60 days, issues preliminary order; either party may request hearing on the record; Secretary issues final order within 120 days of hearing conclusion

**private_right_of_action:** Yes, if the Secretary has not issued a final decision within 210 days after the filing of the complaint, or within 90 days after receiving a written determination, the complainant may bring an action at law or equity for de novo review in the appropriate district court

> A person who believes that he or she has been discharged or otherwise discriminated against by any person in violation of subsection (a) may, not later than 180 days after the date on which such violation occurs, file (or have any person file on his or her behalf) a complaint with the Secretary of Labor (referred to in this section as the 'Secretary') alleging such discharge or discrimination and identifying the person responsible for such act.

Source: <https://www.whistleblowers.gov/statutes/fda_402>

FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) — Federal Whistleblower Protection Filing Deadlines by Statute


**statute_short_name:** Federal Railroad Safety Act (FRSA)

**usc_citation:** 49 U.S.C. § 20109

**filing_deadline_days:** 180

**covered_industry:** Railroad

**enforcement_mechanism:** Complaint filed with Secretary of Labor; governed under rules and procedures of section 42121(b) (AIR21 procedures); de novo review available in district court if no final decision within 210 days

**private_right_of_action:** Yes; if the Secretary of Labor has not issued a final decision within 210 days after the filing of the complaint and if the delay is not due to the bad faith of the employee, the employee may bring an original action at law or equity for de novo review in the appropriate district court of the United States

> An action under paragraph (1) shall be commenced not later than 180 days after the date on which the alleged violation of subsection (a), (b) or (c) of this section occurs.

Source: <https://www.whistleblowers.gov/statutes/frsa>

Federal Railroad Safety Act (FRSA) — Federal Whistleblower Protection Filing Deadlines by Statute


**statute_short_name:** Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA)

**usc_citation:** 33 U.S.C. § 1367

**filing_deadline_days:** 30

**covered_industry:** Water pollution control

**enforcement_mechanism:** Complaint filed with Secretary of Labor; Secretary investigates with opportunity for public hearing, makes findings of fact, and issues an order requiring affirmative action or denying the complaint

**private_right_of_action:** No; Secretary's order is subject to judicial review in the same manner as orders of the Administrator under the Act

> Any employee or a representative of employees who believes that he has been fired or otherwise discriminated against by any person in violation of subsection (a) of this section may, within thirty days after such alleged violation occurs, apply to the Secretary of Labor for a review of such firing, or alleged discrimination.

Source: <https://www.whistleblowers.gov/statutes/fwpca>

Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA) — Federal Whistleblower Protection Filing Deadlines by Statute


**statute_short_name:** International Safe Container Act (ISCA)

**usc_citation:** 46 U.S.C. §80507

**filing_deadline_days:** 60

**covered_industry:** International shipping container safety

**enforcement_mechanism:** Secretary of Labor investigates; if a violation is found, the Secretary may bring a civil action in an appropriate district court; court has jurisdiction to restrain violations and order appropriate relief including reinstatement with back pay

**private_right_of_action:** No

> An employee alleging to have been discharged or discriminated against in violation of subsection (a) may file a complaint with the Secretary of Labor. The complaint must be filed within 60 days after the violation.

Source: <https://www.whistleblowers.gov/statutes/isca>

International Safe Container Act (ISCA) — Federal Whistleblower Protection Filing Deadlines by Statute


**statute_short_name:** Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21)

**usc_citation:** 49 U.S.C. 30171

**filing_deadline_days:** 180

**covered_industry:** Motor vehicle safety (manufacturers, part suppliers, and dealerships)

**enforcement_mechanism:** Secretary of Labor investigates, determines reasonable cause within 60 days, issues preliminary order; either party may request hearing on the record; Secretary issues final order within 120 days of hearing conclusion

**private_right_of_action:** Yes, if the Secretary has not issued a final decision within 210 days after the filing of the complaint and if the delay is not due to the bad faith of the employee, the employee may bring an original action at law or equity for de novo review in the appropriate district court

> A person who believes that he or she has been discharged or otherwise discriminated against by any person in violation of subsection (a) may file (or have any person file on his or her behalf), not later than 180 days after the date on which such violation occurs, a complaint with the Secretary of Labor (hereinafter in this section referred to as the "Secretary") alleging such discharge or discrimination.

Source: <https://www.whistleblowers.gov/statutes/map21>

Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) — Federal Whistleblower Protection Filing Deadlines by Statute


**statute_short_name:** National Transit Systems Security Act (NTSSA)

**usc_citation:** 6 U.S.C. § 1142

**filing_deadline_days:** 180

**covered_industry:** Public transportation

**enforcement_mechanism:** Secretary of Labor investigates, determines reasonable cause within 60 days, issues preliminary order; either party may request hearing on the record; Secretary issues final order within 120 days of hearing conclusion

**private_right_of_action:** Yes, if the Secretary of Labor has not issued a final decision within 210 days after the filing of the complaint and if the delay is not due to the bad faith of the employee, the employee may bring an original action at law or equity for de novo review in the appropriate district court

> A person who believes that he or she has been discharged or otherwise discriminated against by any person in violation of subsection (a) or (b) may, not later than 180 days after the date on which such violation occurs, file (or have any person file on his or her behalf) a complaint with the Secretary of Labor alleging such discharge or discrimination.

Source: <https://www.whistleblowers.gov/statutes/ntssa>

National Transit Systems Security Act (NTSSA) — Federal Whistleblower Protection Filing Deadlines by Statute


**statute_short_name:** OSH Act Section 11(c)

**usc_citation:** 29 U.S.C. § 660(c)

**filing_deadline_days:** 30

**covered_industry:** General workplace safety

**enforcement_mechanism:** OSHA investigates; if violation found, the Secretary brings an action in United States district court

**private_right_of_action:** No; only the Secretary of Labor may bring an action in federal court

> Any employee who believes that he has been discharged or otherwise discriminated against by any person in violation of this subsection may, within thirty days after such violation occurs, file a complaint with the Secretary alleging such discrimination. Upon receipt of such complaint, the Secretary shall cause such investigation to be made as he deems appropriate. If upon such investigation, the Secretary determines that the provisions of this subsection have been violated, he shall bring an action in any appropriate United States district court against such person.

Source: <https://www.whistleblowers.gov/statutes/oshact>

OSH Act Section 11(c) — Federal Whistleblower Protection Filing Deadlines by Statute

covered_industry, enforcement_mechanism, filing_deadline_days, statute_short_name, usc_citation


**statute_short_name:** Pipeline Safety Improvement Act (PSIA)

**usc_citation:** 49 U.S.C. § 60129

**filing_deadline_days:** 180

**covered_industry:** Pipeline safety

**enforcement_mechanism:** Complaint filed with Secretary of Labor; Secretary investigates with preliminary order, then final order after hearing; de novo review available in district court if no final decision within 210 days

**private_right_of_action:** Yes; if the Secretary of Labor has not issued a final decision by the date that is 210 days after the date on which the complaint was filed, and if the delay is not due to the bad faith of the employee who filed the complaint, that employee may bring an original action at law or equity for de novo review in the appropriate district court of the United States

> A person who believes that he or she has been discharged or otherwise discriminated against by any person in violation of subsection (a) may, not later than 180 days after the date on which such violation occurs, file (or have any person file on his or her behalf) a complaint with the Secretary of Labor alleging such discharge or discrimination.

Source: <https://www.whistleblowers.gov/statutes/psia>

Pipeline Safety Improvement Act (PSIA) — Federal Whistleblower Protection Filing Deadlines by Statute


**statute_short_name:** Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)

**usc_citation:** 42 U.S.C. § 300j-9(i)

**filing_deadline_days:** 30

**covered_industry:** Drinking water safety

**enforcement_mechanism:** Complaint filed with Secretary of Labor; Secretary investigates, issues an order on the record after notice and opportunity for agency hearing

**private_right_of_action:** No; Secretary's order is appealable to U.S. Court of Appeals; Secretary or employee may enforce order in district court

> Any employee who believes that he has been discharged or otherwise discriminated against by any person in violation of paragraph (1) may, within 30 days after such violation occurs, file (or have any person file on his behalf) a complaint with the Secretary of Labor (hereinafter in this subsection referred to as the "Secretary") alleging such discharge or discrimination.

Source: <https://www.whistleblowers.gov/statutes/sdwa>

Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) — Federal Whistleblower Protection Filing Deadlines by Statute


**statute_short_name:** Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX)

**usc_citation:** 18 U.S.C. § 1514A

**filing_deadline_days:** 180

**covered_industry:** Publicly traded companies and securities

**enforcement_mechanism:** Complaint filed with Secretary of Labor; governed under rules and procedures of section 42121(b) of title 49 (AIR21 procedures)

**private_right_of_action:** Yes; if the Secretary has not issued a final decision within 180 days of the filing of the complaint and there is no showing that such delay is due to the bad faith of the claimant, bringing an action at law or equity for de novo review in the appropriate district court of the United States

> An action under paragraph (1) shall be commenced not later than 180 days after the date on which the violation occurs, or after the date on which the employee became aware of the violation.

Source: <https://www.whistleblowers.gov/statutes/sox_amended>

Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) — Federal Whistleblower Protection Filing Deadlines by Statute


**statute_short_name:** Seaman’s Protection Act (SPA)

**usc_citation:** 46 U.S.C. § 2114

**filing_deadline_days:** 180

**covered_industry:** Maritime / seamen

**enforcement_mechanism:** Complaint filed in the same manner as under subsection (b) of section 31105 of title 49 (STAA procedures); subject to the same procedures, requirements, and rights

**private_right_of_action:** Yes; per STAA procedures referenced in the statute, de novo review available in district court if no final decision within 210 days

> A seaman alleging discharge or discrimination in violation of subsection (a) of this section, or another person at the seaman’s request, may file a complaint with respect to such allegation in the same manner as a complaint may be filed under subsection (b) of section 31105 of title 49. Such complaint shall be subject to the procedures, requirements, and rights described in that section, including with respect to the right to file an objection, the right of a person to file for a petition for review under subsection (c) of that section, and the requirement to bring a civil action under subsection (d) of that section.

Source: <https://www.whistleblowers.gov/statutes/spa>

Seaman’s Protection Act (SPA) — Federal Whistleblower Protection Filing Deadlines by Statute

covered_industry, filing_deadline_days, private_right_of_action, statute_short_name, usc_citation


**statute_short_name:** Solid Waste Disposal Act (SWDA)

**usc_citation:** 42 U.S.C. §6971

**filing_deadline_days:** 30

**covered_industry:** Solid waste management and disposal

**enforcement_mechanism:** Secretary of Labor investigates, provides opportunity for public hearing, makes findings of fact, and issues order requiring affirmative action to abate the violation or denying the application; order is subject to judicial review

**private_right_of_action:** No

> Any employee or a representative of employees, who believe that he has been fired or otherwise discriminated against by any person in violation of subsection (a) of this section may, within thirty days after such alleged violation occurs, apply to the Secretary of Labor for a review of such firing or alleged discrimination.

Source: <https://www.whistleblowers.gov/statutes/swda>

Solid Waste Disposal Act (SWDA) — Federal Whistleblower Protection Filing Deadlines by Statute


**statute_short_name:** Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA)

**usc_citation:** 49 U.S.C. § 31105

**filing_deadline_days:** 180

**covered_industry:** Commercial motor vehicle transportation

**enforcement_mechanism:** Complaint filed with Secretary of Labor; Secretary investigates, issues preliminary order with relief, then final order after hearing; governed by legal burdens of proof set forth in section 42121(b)

**private_right_of_action:** Yes; if the Secretary of Labor has not issued a final decision within 210 days after the filing of the complaint and if the delay is not due to the bad faith of the employee, the employee may bring an original action at law or equity for de novo review in the appropriate district court of the United States

> An employee alleging discharge, discipline, or discrimination in violation of subsection (a) of this section, or another person at the employee's request, may file a complaint with the Secretary of Labor not later than 180 days after the alleged violation occurred.

Source: <https://www.whistleblowers.gov/statutes/staa>

Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) — Federal Whistleblower Protection Filing Deadlines by Statute


**statute_short_name:** Taxpayer First Act (TFA)

**usc_citation:** 26 U.S.C. § 7623(d)

**filing_deadline_days:** 180

**covered_industry:** Tax administration and internal revenue enforcement

**enforcement_mechanism:** Complaint filed with Secretary of Labor; governed under the rules and procedures set forth in section 42121(b) of title 49, United States Code

**private_right_of_action:** Yes, if the Secretary of Labor has not issued a final decision within 180 days of the filing of the complaint and there is no showing that such delay is due to the bad faith of the claimant, bringing an action at law or equity for de novo review in the appropriate district court

> A complaint under subparagraph (A)(i) hall be filed not later than 180 days after the date on which the violation occurs.

Source: <https://www.whistleblowers.gov/statutes/tfa>

Taxpayer First Act (TFA) — Federal Whistleblower Protection Filing Deadlines by Statute


**statute_short_name:** Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)

**usc_citation:** 15 U.S.C. §2622

**filing_deadline_days:** 30

**covered_industry:** Chemical substances and mixtures regulation

**enforcement_mechanism:** Secretary of Labor investigates within 30 days, issues order within 90 days providing relief or denying the complaint; order made on the record after notice and opportunity for agency hearing

**private_right_of_action:** No

> Any employee who believes that the employee has been discharged or otherwise discriminated against by any person in violation of subsection (a) of this section may, within 30 days after such alleged violation occurs, file (or have any person file on the employee's behalf) a complaint with the Secretary of Labor (hereinafter in this section referred to as the "Secretary") alleging such discharge or discrimination.

Source: <https://www.whistleblowers.gov/statutes/tsca>

Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) — Federal Whistleblower Protection Filing Deadlines by Statute


**statute_short_name:** Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR21)

**usc_citation:** 49 U.S.C. § 42121

**filing_deadline_days:** 90

**covered_industry:** Aviation

**enforcement_mechanism:** Complaint filed with Secretary of Labor; Secretary investigates with preliminary order, then final order after hearing

**private_right_of_action:** No explicit kickout provision; employee may enforce Secretary's order in district court

> A person who believes that he or she has been discharged or otherwise discriminated against by any person in violation of subsection (a) may, not later than 90 days after the date on which such violation occurs, file (or have any person file on his or her behalf) a complaint with the Secretary of Labor alleging such discharge or discrimination.

Source: <https://www.whistleblowers.gov/statutes/air21>

Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR21) — Federal Whistleblower Protection Filing Deadlines by Statute