Reported work-related injuries and illnesses among Hispanic workers: Results from an emergency department surveillance system follow-back survey.

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.