Can I be fired for reporting illegal or unsafe conditions?
How the answer differs across 6 jurisdictions
AustraliaFull article No, it is generally illegal to fire someone for complaining about unsafe work conditions in Australia. This is protected as 'protected disclosure' under workplace health and safety and general protections laws.
IrelandFull article No, you cannot be fairly dismissed for raising a health and safety concern in Ireland — such dismissal is automatically unfair under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977.
SingaporeFull article No, you cannot be fired for whistleblowing on safety violations in Singapore — the Workplace Safety and Health Act protects employees from dismissal or disadvantage for reporting such issues.
Yes, you may be protected under UK whistleblower law if you made a 'protected disclosure' about safety concerns to your employer and were dismissed as a result.
US-CaliforniaFull article No, in California your employer generally cannot fire you for reporting illegal activity — this is protected whistleblowing under state law.
US-New YorkFull article In New York, it is generally illegal for your employer to fire you for reporting illegal activity — this is protected whistleblowing under state law.
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AustraliaI was fired without warning after complaining about unsafe work conditions. Is this legal?IrelandCan I be dismissed for raising a health and safety concern?SingaporeCan I be fired for whistleblowing on safety violations?
UKI reported safety concerns and was fired. Is this whistleblower protection?US-CaliforniaCan my employer fire me for reporting illegal activity?US-New YorkCan I be fired for reporting illegal activity by my employer (whistleblowing)?Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: June 2026.