Citation

Scherzer T, Rugulies R, Krause N. Am. J. Public Health 2005; 95(3): 483-488.

Affiliation

Occupational Epidemiology Program, University of California, San Francisco, 1301 S 46th St, Bldg 163, Richmond, CA 94804, USA. nkrause@berkeley.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, American Public Health Association)

DOI

10.2105/AJPH.2003.033266

PMID

15727981

PMCID

PMC1449206

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: We examined the prevalence of work-related pain and injury and explored barriers to and experiences of reporting among workers. METHODS: We surveyed 941 unionized hotel room cleaners about work-related pain, injury, disability, and reporting. RESULTS: During the past 12 months, 75% of workers in our study experienced work-related pain, and 31% reported it to management; 20% filed claims for workers' compensation as a result of work-related injury, and 35% of their claims were denied. Barriers to reporting injury included "It would be too much trouble" (43%), "I was afraid" (26%), and "I didn't know how" (18%). An estimated 69% of medical costs were shifted from employers to workers. CONCLUSIONS: The reasons for underreporting and the extent of claim denial warrant further investigation. Implications for worker health and the precise quantification of shifting costs to workers also should be addressed.