Herrington v. DAIMLERCHTYSLER CORP.

**Court Rules Against Worker Who Reported Safety Concerns** Michael Herrington, a DaimlerChrysler employee, filed a whistleblower lawsuit claiming the company retaliated against him for reporting workplace safety violations to federal regulators. Herrington had contacted the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) about safety problems at his workplace, but he did not give written notice to DaimlerChrysler before making the report to OSHA. The court ruled in favor of DaimlerChrysler and dismissed Herrington's case. The judge found that under Ohio whistleblower law, employees must strictly follow specific procedures before reporting safety violations to outside agencies. Since Herrington failed to provide written notice to his employer before contacting OSHA, his whistleblower claim could not proceed, regardless of whether retaliation actually occurred. **What This Means for Workers:** This ruling highlights the importance of understanding your state's specific whistleblower procedures before reporting workplace problems. Some states require workers to notify their employer in writing before contacting government agencies, even about serious safety concerns. Workers should research their state's whistleblower laws or consult with employment attorneys to ensure they follow the correct steps when reporting violations, as procedural mistakes can eliminate legal protections.