Injured Workers’ Underreporting in the Health Care Industry: An Analysis Using Quantitative, Qualitative, and Observational Data

Abstract

Underreporting of occupational injuries was examined in four health care facilities using quantitative, qualitative, and observational data. Occupational Safety and Health Administration logs accounted for only one-third of the workers' compensation records; 45 percent of injured workers followed by survey had workers' compensation claims. Workers reported 63 percent of serious occupational injuries. Underreporting is explained by time pressure and workers' doubts about eligibility, reputation, income loss, and career prospects. Though aware of underreporting, managers subtly believe in workers' moral hazard behaviors.

Marginal structural modelling of associations of occupational injuries with voluntary and involuntary job loss among nursing home workers

“…Analyses of continued under-reporting of occupational injuries have often included questions about possible economic and social penalties for workers who report occupational injuries 14 15. Findings in the present paper indicate a need for occupational health professionals to seriously evaluate the possibility of such penalties.…”

“…Although frequently used in occupational health studies, workers’ compensation databases are particularly vulnerable to under-reporting of occupational injuries. Galizzi et al 15 found that healthcare workers reported about 63% of reportable occupational injuries observed by researchers, whereas the workers’ compensation database captured about one-third of these injuries.…”

“…Comparative studies demonstrate that under-reporting occurs less in workers’ self-reports as compared with workers’ compensation and other databases 15. For example, healthcare workers reported about 63% of reportable occupational injuries observed by researchers, whereas the workers’ compensation database captured about one-third of these injuries 15…”

Results of a Pilot Intervention to Improve Health and Safety for Health Care Workers

“…10 Among nursing staff, documented injury rates have been reported at rates of 12.89 per 100 full-time employees, and this rate may be nearly double for nursing aides. 11 Beyond documented workplace injuries, which may be underreported, 12 self-reported musculoskeletal pain and symptoms (musculoskeletal disorders, or MSDs) is widespread among healthcare workers. 13-15 The one (1) -year prevalence rate of lower back pain in nursing personnel has been reported at over 60%.…”

Fear Factory: Retaliation and Rights Claiming in Alberta, Canada

“…One form of voice is expressing a concern or a complaint to a supervisor, employer, or regulatory body. There is significant evidence that workers often refrain from such action (Galizzi, Miesmaa, Punnett, & Slatin, 2010;Milliken, Morrison, & Hewlin, 2003;Morrison & Milliken, 2000;Salin, Teniälä, Roberge, & Berdahl, 2014) due, in part, to fear of consequences for speaking out. Gullone (2000) asserts fear is a normal reaction to real or imagined threats.…”