OSHA orders BNSF to pay worker $300,000

SEATTLE — The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has ordered the BNSF Railway Co. to pay $300,000 to a woman who was suspended without pay for reporting a work-related injury.

The Seattle Times reported Friday that the federal agency levied the fine this week to cover the woman’s back wages, attorney’s fees and damages.

BNSF declined to comment. Spokesman Gus Melonas says the situation is under review.

The woman filed a complaint with OSHA, alleging that she was suspended without pay for 30 days after notifying the company of a work-related injury. OSHA said its investigation found reasonable cause to believe that the railroad had retaliated against her in violation of the Federal Railroad Safety Act.

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