Which action is illegal under anti-discrimination protections for injured workers?

• A. Firing for unrelated performance issues
• B. Providing a safe workplace
• C. Offering a promotion after injury
• D. Discharging or discriminating against a worker because of injury, claim, rating, award, settlement, or testimony

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that employees who are injured or who file a workers’ compensation claim are protected from retaliation by the employer. In California, laws in this area prohibit discharging or discriminating against someone for getting injured, filing a claim, or participating in the workers’ comp process (including related actions like ratings, awards, settlements, or giving testimony). Because firing or treating someone unfavorably specifically because of their injury or claim is exactly the kind of retaliation these protections target, that action is illegal.

The other options don’t involve retaliation for an injury or claim. Firing for unrelated performance issues is a legitimate disciplinary action if it’s not tied to the injury or claim. Providing a safe workplace is a duty and a positive action, not a violation. Offering a promotion after an injury is permissible and can be appropriate, assuming it’s based on merit and not on discriminating against the employee for their injury.