Why Workers Don’t Report Pain And How the Law Protects Them
A new study from the National Safety Council (NSC) reveals a troubling truth about workplace injuries in the U.S.: nearly 30% of employees who experience pain at work never report it. That silence comes at a cost. Both to the workers’ health and to their ability to receive benefits if the pain develops into a more serious condition.
An Ohio workers’ compensation lawyer often sees the effects of this firsthand. In a state where physically demanding industries like manufacturing, health care, and logistics are major employers, this underreporting trend has real consequences. When pain is ignored or hidden, musculoskeletal injuries can progress until a worker is forced to stop working altogether. By then, the damage is harder to treat, and the path to workers’ compensation benefits can be more complicated.
The culture of silence around workplace pain
The NSC study found that safety leaders tend to rate their safety culture more positively than the employees doing the work. This perception gap suggests that many workplaces may not fully understand what employees experience day to day. For some workers, pain becomes part of the job, and speaking up about it can feel risky or pointless.
That mindset can be dangerous. A sore shoulder, back strain, or repetitive stress injury often starts small but can worsen over time with continued use. When workers feel discouraged or afraid to report pain, they lose valuable opportunities for early treatment, and employers lose the chance to prevent serious injuries.
Why do some workers stay quiet?
The reasons behind unreported pain vary, but they often come down to fear, misunderstanding, or workplace culture. Understanding these barriers can help Ohio workers recognize when they may be putting themselves at risk by staying silent.
Common reasons workers don’t report pain include:
- Fear of retaliation: Some workers worry their employer will punish them for reporting an injury, even though such retaliation is illegal under Ohio law.
- Peer pressure or pride: In tough or team-oriented workplaces, employees may fear being seen as weak or unreliable if they admit they’re hurt.
- Lack of knowledge: Many workers don’t realize that gradual or repetitive injuries, not just sudden accidents, are covered by workers’ compensation.
- Job insecurity: Temporary, part-time, or contract workers may fear losing hours or being replaced if they speak up.
- Belief that nothing will change: Some employees have seen reports ignored in the past and assume management won’t take action.
All these reasons can lead to lasting consequences, from chronic pain to permanent disability. Speaking with a workers’ compensation attorney can help employees understand their rights, especially when they suspect their employer may discourage injury reporting.
Common injuries that go unreported in Ohio workplaces
Many injuries that start as minor aches can become serious over time, especially when workers feel pressured to stay quiet. In Ohio, the injuries that most often go unreported are those that develop gradually or seem less severe at first. These are usually caused by repetitive motion, heavy lifting, or long hours spent standing, bending, or reaching.
The most common unreported injuries include:
- Back and neck strains: Often caused by lifting, twisting, or poor posture, these injuries may begin as mild stiffness and progress to chronic pain.
- Shoulder and rotator cuff injuries: Repeated overhead motions in warehouse or manufacturing work can lead to inflammation or tears that worsen without rest.
- Carpal tunnel and other repetitive stress injuries: Constant hand or wrist movement from typing, assembly work, or tool use can cause tingling or numbness that limits function.
- Knee and joint injuries: Prolonged standing, kneeling, or climbing can strain joints and lead to arthritis or ligament damage.
- Soft tissue and tendon injuries: Subtle sprains and overuse injuries may not appear on scans, causing workers to underestimate their seriousness.
Leaving these injuries unreported can lead to long-term pain, medical complications, and lost income. Reporting pain early and speaking with an Ohio workers’ compensation lawyer helps ensure the injury is documented, treated, and protected under state law.
Legal protections for injured workers in Ohio
Ohio’s workers’ compensation system exists to protect employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses, whether they result from a single incident or repeated strain over time. Once an injury occurs, it’s critical to notify the employer promptly. That initial report starts the process of obtaining medical treatment and filing a claim through the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC).
State law also makes it illegal for employers to retaliate against workers who report injuries or file claims. Retaliation can take many forms, such as demotion, reduced hours, reassignment, or termination. Workers who experience such treatment have the right to take legal action and seek compensation for lost wages and emotional harm.
Even with these protections, many employees remain uncertain about how to proceed, particularly when pain develops gradually or when their employer downplays the injury. In these cases, an attorney can step in to document symptoms, gather medical evidence, and ensure a claim is properly filed with the BWC.
Reporting pain protects health and job security
Ignoring pain doesn’t make it go away. It often makes it worse. Early reporting allows doctors to identify and treat injuries before they become debilitating. It also ensures a clear record of when and how the problem began, which is vital if a workers’ compensation claim becomes necessary later.
Workers who report pain early are more likely to recover fully and keep working. Those who delay often find themselves caught between worsening symptoms and uncertainty about how to get help. Taking that first step, even if it’s just talking with a doctor or a lawyer, can make all the difference.
Hochman & Plunkett Co., L.P.A. has more than 150 years of combined experience helping injured workers throughout Ohio secure the benefits they deserve. Acting quickly can make a significant difference. Workers’ compensation claims have strict filing deadlines, and early legal support can help protect both medical and financial recovery.
For a free consultation, contact us today. Taking action now can safeguard your health, your job, and your peace of mind.
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