If surgery is recommended, workers sometimes have had to wait months before approval is given Another problem facing some injured workers is a pervasive attitude among employers, if worker is out of work for an extended period of time, they must be faking it. The person looks fine, but has sustained a devastating back injury, or even a closed head injury, but no one can see it, so distrust begins. Many times cruel things are said, without knowing the person's medical condition. Again, although my opinions are based on anecdotal experiences only, and not research, I feel the majority of workers who state they have been injured, are. The amount of hassle an injured worker must endure is not worth the benefit, to most workers.
Employers know which jobs cause the problems.
Designing a workplace to decrease repetitive injuries will be a win-win for both employer and employee. The employer will save money when their injury rates fall, and the worker will be able to work in a safer workplace. The proposed standard allows for employee input, which is essential. Avoided costs need to be part of the equation. The worker's backs, upon which our economy rests, need to be protected.