Are On-The-Job Injuries Being Underreported?
The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor is investigating that question. And in a majority staff report entitled Hidden Tragedy: Underreporting of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses, the committee answered the question in the affirmative. Why are they being underreported? Because, according to the report:
- Certain categories of workers, accounting for a significant portion of the workforce,are excluded from the survey.
- Occupational illnesses are particularly difficult to identify as work-related.
- Immigrants are less likely to report workplace injuries and illnesses.
- Workers are often reluctant to apply for workers’ compensation.
- The musculoskeletal disorder column has been taken off of the OSHA 300 Log.
- Some workers and employers do not understand the reporting system.
- Employers have an incentive to underreport.
What incentives do employers have to underreport?
- Low injury and illness rates decrease the chance of being inspected by OSHA
- Low numbers of injuries and illnesses decrease workers' compensation expenses.
- Low injury and illness rates can earn businesses bonuses and incentives
- Low injury and illness numbers look good to the public and to customers
What methods do employers use to discourage reporting?
- Direct intimidation of workers.
- Bringing seriously injured workers right back to work.
- Discouraging appropriate medical attention.
- Discouraging physicians from reporting injuries or diagnosing illnesses.
- "No fault" absentee policies.
- Safety incentive programs and games.
- Manager incentives and bonuses
- Drug testing after every accident or injury.
- Contractors and contracting out dangerous work
- Missclassification of workers.
These hearings were apparently prompted by The Charlotte Observer's six-part series entitled "The Cruelest Cuts," an indictment of North Carolina's poultry industry. The PBS program Expose also covered the story in a report entitled "20,000 Cuts a Day."
