Utah Whistleblower Protections
All Utah citizens are protected by state and federal whistleblower laws. We have provided information about many of the laws in Utah below. For more information about federal laws, click here.
Government Employees
Other Whistleblower Laws
Statutes specifically protecting government whistleblowers
Utah Protection of Public Employees Act;
Utah Code Title 67, Chapter 21. U.C.A. 1953 § 67-21-3
Parties Protected By Statute
Protected Actions Under Statute
Utah Code Ann. § 67-21-3(2).
An employer may not take adverse action against an employee because an employee participates or gives information in an investigation, hearing, court proceeding, legislative or other inquiry, or other form of administrative review held by the public body.
Specific Remedies Authorized By Statute
Utah Code Ann. § 67-21-5.
13 A court may order reinstatement of the employee at the same level, the payment of back wages, full reinstatement of fringe benefits and seniority rights, actual damages, or any combination of these remedies. A court shall also award the complainant reasonable attorney fees and witness fees, if the court determines that the award is appropriate.
General-purpose statutes protecting whistleblowers
Utah Occupational Safety and Health Act
Citation
Utah Code Ann. § 34A-6-203 (West)
Parties Protected By Statute
Utah Code Ann. § 34A-6-203(1) (West)
(1) A person may not discharge or in any manner discriminate against any employee because…
Protected Actions Under Statute
Utah Code Ann. § 34A-6-203(1)
(1) A person may not discharge or in any manner discriminate against any employee because: (a) the employee has filed any complaint or instituted or caused to be instituted any proceedings under or related to this chapter; (b) the employee has testified or is about to testify in any proceeding; or (c) the employee has exercised any right granted by this chapter on behalf of the employee or others.
Specific Remedies Authorized By Statute
Utah Code Ann. § 34A-6-203(2)(d)(ii).
(d) (i) If the Division of Adjudication determines that a violation has occurred, it may order: (A) the violation to be restrained; and (B) all appropriate relief, including reinstatement of the employee to the employee’s former position with back pay. (ii) A determination under this Subsection (2)(d) may be appealed in accordance with Section 34A-6-304.