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:
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Certain categories of workers, accounting for a significant portion of the workforce,are excluded from the survey.
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Occupational illnesses are particularly difficult to identify as work-related.
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Immigrants are less likely to report workplace injuries and illnesses.
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Workers are often reluctant to apply for workers’ compensation.
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The musculoskeletal disorder column has been taken off of the OSHA 300 Log.
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Some workers and employers do not understand the reporting system.
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Employers have an incentive to underreport.
What incentives do employers have to underreport?
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Low injury and illness rates decrease the chance of being inspected by OSHA
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Low numbers of injuries and illnesses decrease workers' compensation expenses.
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Low injury and illness rates can earn businesses bonuses and incentives
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Low injury and illness numbers look good to the public and to customers
What methods do employers use to discourage reporting?
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Direct intimidation of workers.
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Bringing seriously injured workers right back to work.
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Discouraging appropriate medical attention.
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Discouraging physicians from reporting injuries or diagnosing illnesses.
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"No fault" absentee policies.
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Safety incentive programs and games.
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Manager incentives and bonuses
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Drug testing after every accident or injury.
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Contractors and contracting out dangerous work
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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."
