Injured Workers' Underreporting in the Health Care Industry: An Analysis Using Quantitative, Qualitative, and Observational Data |
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| Authors: | MONICA GALIZZI PETRA MIESMAA LAURA PUNNETT CRAIG SLATIN THE PHASE IN HEALTHCARE RESEARCH TEAM |
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| Institution: | 1. The authors’ affiliations are, respectively, Department of Economics, University of Massachusetts Lowell, FA 302 F, One University Avenue, Lowell, MA 01854;2. currently unaffiliated, formerly with Center for Health Promotion and Research, University of Massachusetts Lowell;3. Department of Work Environment, University of Massachusetts Lowell, FA 302 F, One University Avenue, Lowell, MA 01854;4. Department of Community Health and Sustainability, University of Massachusetts Lowell, FA 302 F, One University Avenue, Lowell, MA 01854. E‐mail: . This study was supported by Grant Number R01‐OH07381 (PI: Dr Slatin) from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of NIOSH. We are thankful to the many colleagues from the University of Massachusetts Lowell who collected, organized, and made their data available to us: Rebecca Gore and Helena Miranda (administrative data), Jon Boyer (job observational data), Lee Ann Hoff, Ainat Koren, Barbara Mawn, Karen Melillo, Carole Pearce, Kathy Sperrazza, and Michael O’Sullivan (qualitative data). We also thank Les Boden, Karen Melillo, Lynne Zucker, and participants of the Conference on the Analysis of Firms and Employees (CAFE) who offered many useful insights and comments. |
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| 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. |
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