WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety
and Health Administration (OSHA) has responded to the Government Accountability
Office (GAO) report on the underreporting of workplace injuries and illnesses
and OSHA’s audit process. The report identifies a number of factors that may
contribute to inaccuracy of employer injury and illness records, as well as
problems with the audits that OSHA conducts to ensure accuracy.
“Accurate injury and illness records are vital to protect
workers’ health and safety,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “They not
only enable OSHA to better target its resources and determine the effectiveness
of its efforts, accurate numbers are also an important tool that workers and
employers can use to identify hazards in their workplaces.”
The report identifies worker intimidation as well as a number of disincentives
that may discourage workers and employers from reporting work-related injuries
and illnesses. The report also notes widespread reports from occupational
health practitioners who said they were pressured not to record an injury or
illness.
Acting Assistant Secretary for OSHA Jordan Barab announced that the agency will
move swiftly to implement the recommendations made by the GAO. Additionally, in
response to the report of underreporting and Congressional interest, OSHA has
implemented a National Emphasis Program on Recordkeeping. OSHA will send
inspectors into worksites across the country to review the occupational injury
and illness records prepared by businesses.
“Many of the problems identified in the report are quite
alarming, and OSHA will be taking strong enforcement action where we find
underreporting,” Solis said.
For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
Publication date:01/04/2010
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