Be Sure to Always Report On-the-Job-Injuries

Here's some interesting thoughts on reporting injuries.  It comes from the cmmonline site.

Why Custodial Injuries are Rarely Reported
When it comes to on-the-job injuries and illnesses, janitors and other cleaning professionals are at a greater risk than the average worker, as they often suffer minor cuts, bruises, and burns from machines, tools, and chemicals, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
However, those injuries may often go largely unreported, says industry Ron Segura. In a recent press release, Segura offered insight into this phenomenon:

• Fear. Some workers may fear that reporting an injury could result in lost time and wages—or losing their job completely.
   
• Kept quiet. Rather than pay the resulting workers’ compensation fees, some contractors prefer to deal with injuries in-house, rather than report them.
   
• Perception. If an injury stems from mishandling a chemical, piece of equipment, or tool, workers would rather keep quiet than express they are at fault.
   
• Company culture. There are companies that focus more on service and performance than the reporting of injuries.

"The big problem about not reporting injuries or trying to deemphasize them is that it makes it more likely that they will happen again," says Segura.

"Instead of pushing injuries under the table, contractors need to put more emphasis on training and education. Ultimately, that is the best way to keep injuries from happening."