Committee on Education and Labor

Committee to Explore Worker Intimidation Not to Report On-The-Job Injuries and Illnesses

On Thursday, June 19, the Committee will explore the failure of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration to collect accurate statistics on workplace injuries and illnesses, and the effects on workplace safety when employers pressure employees not to report injuries and illnesses. Officials at OSHA cite record low workplace injuries and fatalities as evidence that worker safety is improving. The agency uses these statistics reported by employers, in part, to target inspections, evaluate its performance, and to determine when new health and safety standards may be needed. Some critics, however, say that the reporting system is flawed and gives employers an incentive to underreport injuries. A number of studies show that as many as two-thirds of all workplace injuries and illnesses are not reported.
WHAT: Hearing on “The Hidden Tragedy: Underreporting of Workplace Injury and Illness Statistics”
WHO: Witnesses TBA
WHEN: Thursday, June 19, 2008, 10:30 a.m. EDT
Please check the Committee's schedule page for potential updates »

WHERE: House Education and Labor Committee Hearing Room
2175 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C.