Reported work‐related injuries and illnesses among Hispanic workers: Results from an emergency department surveillance system follow‐back survey. Issue 8 (11th July 2016) - Tonozzi, Theresa R.
Abstract : Background: Research suggests Hispanic workers underreport injuries/illnesses to their employer. Methods: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System—occupational supplement was used to conduct a follow‐back study of workers treated in emergency departments (EDs) from June 2012 through December 2013. Results: An estimated 448, 000 (95%CI 230, 000–665, 000) Hispanic workers treated in EDs for a work‐related injury or illness were represented by 362 completed interviews. Of these, an estimated 443, 000 (95%CI 228, 000–657, 000) workers reported the injury or illness to their employer or were self‐employed. The majority had not heard of workers' compensation. Only 10% expected workers' compensation to cover their medical payment while 62% expected payment to be covered by their employer. Conclusion: We characterized our respondent workforce who reported their injury or illness. We determined that NEISS‐Work data are not the most appropriate source to capture underreporting of work‐related injuries and illnesses to employers among Hispanic workers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:621–629, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.