Report: Companies not reporting all injuries

[spinbaby]

I wish I could say I was surprised:

WASHINGTON – Some employers are pressuring workers not to report illnesses and injuries, just one problem that has led to widespread underreporting of workplace safety issues, according to congressional investigators.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspectors often didn't interview workers to verify what employers claim when keeping tabs on accident and illness rates, the Government Accountability Office report released Monday states.

The report said workplace injuries and illnesses went unreported because companies pressured employees to withhold the information, and about a third of health providers said they were pressured to withhold medical treatment so companies could avoid filing reports with OSHA.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091116/ap_on_bi_ge/us_labor_safety_3

[Submariner]

1. I cracked a rib and twisted a knee in a workplace fall

a few weeks ago. Rather than report it, and go to a doctor and then on workmen's comp, I kept quiet and worked through the pain since then. The reason is that another qualified surveyor that wants my job likely would have got it if my employer decided that since I'm older I am more prone to falls.

A lot of people are hurting themselves at work, and keeping mum on the subject, so as not to get on the radar of a manager who wants to cut personnel that costs them extra money.

[jdlh8894]

2. You got that right!

After doctor released me to return to work(@45%), I was fired. GA is a "right to work" state and I had no say in the matter.

[juno jones]

3. I burnt the shit out of my arm in a Denny's in 1992.

There was a refrigeration repairman underfoot fixing the line when a pan with hot grease got knocked over and was headed down. It was him or me and I took it.

Bastards didn't want me to leave for treatment, actually they didn't want me to recieve treatment whatsoever, just clam up and stay on line to keep their numbers up. I got thru the shift and went to a clinic anyway, because I knew I needed silvadene at least for a burn like that, not to mention painkillers.

They were insatiable. Even tho my arm was raw, they cajoled and threatened me back in. My dad died a couple of days later and even tho I told them I was helping with the family and funeral, they called every day demanding that I come in. I didn't. But they kept calling. I finally told them to shove it. I couldn't even stomach the thought of going back to work at a place where I was not just a number, but somebody else's number. I'm sure the management lost their monthly bonuses over my injury and bereavement.

This shit is nothing new. Sad that it has become so commonplace that people are actually noticing it now.