Employers and workers must both recognize that accurate reporting of injuries is in their best interests in order to create safe workplaces.
Columbia, S.C. (PRWEB) November 21, 2009
A new federal study by the federal Government Accounting Office indicates work-related injuries in the United States are drastically underreported.
“This report highlights the unsafe work environment faced by workers in South Carolina and across the country,” said Bert Louthian, a lawyer with the Louthian Law Firm in Columbia, S.C., who represents injured workers. “Employers and workers must both recognize that accurate reporting of injuries is in their best interests in order to create safe workplaces.”
Federal researchers cited studies indicating that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration failed to record up to two-thirds of all workplace injuries and illnesses. Researchers noted that OSHA relied solely on employers to provide data and said employees were often reluctant to step forward about on-the-job accidents.
The report also indicated that workers sometimes avoided reporting work-related injuries and illnesses because they feared that doing so would cause them or their co-workers to miss the chance of earning safety incentives such as prizes.
In response to the findings, OSHA officials agreed to incorporate the report’s recommendations to improve reporting accuracy, according to The New York Times. These recommendations include requiring inspectors to interview employees during safety audits in order to evaluate the accuracy of injury reports provided by employers.
“Federal safety regulators must do more to ensure injuries are reported and that they are recorded accurately,” said Mr. Louthian. “Safety regulations should not cause employers or employees to be reluctant in reporting accidents. Accurate reporting of injuries is necessary to protect the lives and rights of our workers.”
About The Louthian Law Firm
The Louthian Law Firm, P.A., of Columbia, South Carolina, has been obtaining fair compensation for S.C. personal injury victims since 1959. The firm was founded by Herbert Louthian, who has nearly 50 years of trial experience and is licensed to practice in all courts in South Carolina. The Louthian Law Firm focuses on personal injury cases involving car, truck and motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, workplace injuries, and other serious and catastrophic injuries throughout South Carolina.
For a confidential case evaluation, contact the firm by phone at (866) 410-5656 or visit the firm's Web site at http://www.louthianlaw.com/.
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