Comment on FR Doc # N/A

Re: SGRP: 104--For numerous reasons I believe it is critical to include information about work and occupation in medical records. Data regarding possible chemical exposures, work routines, and overall environmental conditions can have an obvious effect on medical-care decisions. Equally important may be the long-term impacts regarding future decisions as a result of previously unreported workplace illnesses and deaths. I served as an expert witness on a case where the subject had died at the end of a shift. There was no question the fatality was a result of work-related stress, but it was never reported by anyone to OSHA. Although the company was required by law to report it, they chose not to do so. The physician attributed the death to heat stress, but the link might never have been made by anyone to the workplace had the widow not pursued workers' compensation benefits. I suspect OSHA never knew of this fatality. These accidental, work-related deaths must be tracked in order for us to get a firm handle on causes and appropriate preventive measures.
I worked for a period of time with an occupational physician to provide consulting services to industry. I was amazed that, unless the company volunteered it up front, the physician often lacked critical and necessary information to make informed decisions regarding care. Employees themselves often failed to inform doctors of workplace exposures.