Workplace Injuries go Underreported

According to a study published by the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, at least 68 percent of work-related injuries and illnesses that occurred annually in Michigan went underreported. 

The study proves that a more comprehensive system is needed, and that the current national surveillance system underestimates the magnitude for work-related injuries and illnesses.  Researchers also concluded that the system should not depend on employer-based data, and the system should better guide the decision making and evaluation of public health programs to reduce work-related conditions.

Jackie Nowell, UFCW Occupational Health and Safety Office Director, explains the massive underreporting of work-related injuries and illnesses. “Workers don’t report injuries because they are afraid of losing their jobs or are afraid to call attention to themselves.  Some companies reward workers for fewer injuries, so they don’t want to ruin it for everyone by reporting them.”

Researchers used information from the Michigan workers’ compensation data base, the OSHA Annual Survey, the OSHA Integrated Management Information System and the Occupational Disease Report.