Mailed Threats
Criminals or persons that are angry with a whistleblower’s actions could try to scare the whistleblower while attempting to remain anonymous by mailing a threat. Mailed threats are against the law as defined by 18 USC 876 (Mailing Threatening Communications). This violation is treated as a serious federal crime. As a precaution, a whistleblower should not open mail from unknown senders; instead, you should immediately notify the building security. Should the unknown mail be delivered to the whistleblower’s home, the whistleblower ought not to open the mail but instead, notify the mail carrier of your hesitance so that postal inspectors can get involved.
If the whistleblower opens the mail as part of your normal habits, take precautions since the mail is from an unknown sender. Should the mail contain a threatening message, immediately photograph the envelope and the inside contents. If the letter contains threats of violence or threatens to slander the whistleblower’s reputation, immediately escalate the situation to the nearest security personnel or the local police. Always report threatening letters to the Postal Inspection Service by calling: 1-877-876-2455.
Use the Hazardous Substance Response Checklist to keep safe and preserve evidence.
Hazardous Chemical Incidents
Hazardous chemicals are substances that are flammable or combustible, explosive, toxic, noxious, corrosive, oxidizable, irritant, or radioactive. A hazardous material spill or release can pose a risk to life, health, or property.
In the event of a hazardous chemical incident, escalate the situation to the nearest security personnel or the local police.
In addition to any onsite hazards, there is the potential for an offsite incident that can affect the workplace, event, or home.
In the event there is a hazardous chemical incident outside of the whistleblower’s building, event site, or home, instruct whistleblowers and/or family members to move to an area of refuge inside the building, site, or home where egress will be possible. The location is intended to protect and/or limit the exposure from chemical, biological, or radiological contaminants. Emergency personnel will provide additional instructions on when it is considered safe to leave the area.
Note: A whistleblower who requests to leave the facility or event at any given time has a right to leave at their own discretion, regardless of the threat to their well-being.
Conclusion
Whistleblowers should be prepared to protect themselves. There are many laws that protect whistleblowers from retaliation; however, those laws do not physically protect whistleblowers should they find themselves the subject of verbal or physical threats. The mere act of whistleblowing is courageous; however, the price of doing the right thing could place the whistleblower in physical danger. While there is no single action or plan that can address all physical threats to whistleblowers, this escalation and response plan provides guidelines and escalation actions to direct whistleblowers should they find themselves in harm’s way.
Note: Whistleblowers should refer to this page for information and guidance; however, if you believe you are in danger, immediately contact the local police for help.
