Underreporting in Occupational Health

Occupational injuries and illnesses are a reality in many workplaces, but they often remain hidden.  A phenomenon known as underreporting prevents the true magnitude of this problem from coming to light.  But what are the reasons behind this silence?

Factors that contribute to underreporting:

Fear of retaliation: Many workers fear losing their job or suffering negative consequences if they report an injury or illness.
Normalization of risk: In certain work environments, risk is considered “part of the job,” leading to the normalization of dangerous situations and the minimization of injuries.
Lack of knowledge:

Lack of knowledge of workplace rights, reporting procedures and definitions of “injury” or “occupational illness.”
Work culture: Some companies prioritize productivity over safety, creating an environment where reporting an injury is seen as a weakness.
Bureaucratic barriers: Complex procedures and cumbersome processes discourage workers from reporting incidents.