if a work related injury is not reported to OSHA what happens?
If you receive a minor injury on the job and the company tries to cover it up and not pay the bill and then six months later (after much frustration and heartache) it finally gets reported to be paid what does OSHA do?
It depends on the size of the company but in most cases OSHA like other government agencies does nothing.~
There would most likely be a fine involved if there was evidence that the injury was not reported intentionally. Worse case scenario – OSHA can shut a company down but highly unlikely.
Not all work-related injuries are required to be reported to OSHA. Problems with Worker’s Comp insurance (sounds like that is the case here) have nothing to do with OSHA. OSHA focuses on industrial safety. WC requirements are covered under state law.
OSHA can mount an investigation once it has reached a certain level of inquiry, sometimes agencies move slowly and sometimes there is a political cycle but usually OSHA, EPA, NIOSH will act even given the time constraints you named. They investigate and report their findings will can result in a fine, if determine it was purposeful they will contact the justice department, the fines are not light weight and their no such thing as an agreement to pay the fine and not admit culpability. They can also keep a company from working in a given area or bidding on sensitive work or government contracts, as well your case could be used in litigation or an class action suit.
Minor injuries will likely not need to be reported. If you personally feel that OSHA should get involved, you have the right to file a complaint. Your employer cannot, legally, punish you in any way for doing so. You can even stay anonymous.
If you make a complaint, someone will eventually come down to investigate. There is a good chance that they’ll find SOMETHING, as it’s not hard to find something. So long as the employer fixes it, there should be no fine. If it’s a major violation, they may very well do something about it.
I think you are referring to workers compensaton. Generally only
injuries that require more than simple first aid, or time loss are
required to be reported to the WC commission. OSHA has little to do
with WC. If there was medical attention provided, the employee is
required to file a first report of injury with the employer. The
empployer is permitted to have choice of Dr in most states. The
employer is required to file a claim with their insurance company.
If what you describe is true…there could be fraud committed by
the employer, a intent to deny benefits under the WC laws. Right
now you need to concentrate on getting the medical attention you
need for the injury, not be worried about punishing the employer
for not filing a claim timely.