title: Reporting of work-related musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) to workers compensation.
abstract: In contrast to theories of moral hazard, it appears that workers under-report cases to Workers' Compensation. In a population-based phone survey of work-related MSDs, it was found that cases were more likely to be reported if they were called work-related by a doctor, had surgery, or took time off from work. Higher rates of filing were found for lower education, having a union at the workplace, working in manufacturing, and for blue-collar occupations. Fear of the consequences of filing was significantly related to filing, but was not a strong association. A lack of perceived management support and lower decision latitude was associated with a higher rate of filing. Perceived knowledge of the Workers' Compensation system was not associated with filing. In general, a broader perspective of looking not just at reported claims but also unreported work-related illnesses is important for understanding both the magnitude of the problem as well as the impact of changes in Workers' Compensation laws.
authors.affiliation: Ergo Center, UCONN Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030-6210, USA.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Morse
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dillon
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Warren