Pressure to Not Report Workplace Accidents
I was injured in a work-related accident, but felt pressure not to report
it or make an issue of it. What should I do now?
Pressure to not report an injury is a common problem in industrial accidents.
Workers may decide not to report a
work-related injury because they are concerned that they will lose their job or face other
disciplinary action. They may not report an injury because of concern
about forfeiting a reward based on accident-free work records. Employers
may not want to record industrial accidents and injuries because they
are concerned about increasing their workers' compensation costs or
jeopardizing their chances of winning contract bids for additional jobs.
Federal law requires employers to provide workers with workplaces that
are free of recognized hazards that are likely to cause serious physical
harm or death. Some employers don't put a proper focus on worker safety;
they may create disincentives to report injuries. If you were seriously
injured in a
work-related accident, you may be entitled to file a claim for lost wages and medical expenses.
In some situations, you may also be able to collect money for pain and
suffering and other damages. That's why it's important to talk
to an experienced
industrial accident lawyer immediately.