Dictionary definition of “bloody pocket syndrome”

bloody pocket syndrome

n. the tendency of workers not to report injuries received while at work. Subjects: English, Employment, Health

4 Comments | Cites | Permalink | Tell a Friend

Citations: 1993 Calhoun W. Wick The Learning Edge (July) p. 92 @ (Nov. 1, 1996): Prather says that in the safety arena, this is sometimes referred to as the “bloody pocket syndrome.” A machinist cuts his finger on a sharp part of a machine and, rather than tell anyone, sticks his hand in his pocket and goes home. 2005 James L. Nash Occupational Hazards (Jan. 1) “OSHA Recordkeeping: Overcoming The Hurdles To Honesty” vol. 67, no. 1, p. 28: Wright calls it the “the bloody pocket syndrome.” Because of “nofault injury and illness policies,” many workers have learned they will be disciplined for injuries no matter who’s at fault. “So people just suck it up, go home and patch it up.” 2006 Erik K. Nelson Inside Bay Area (California) (Aug. 24) “Bay Bridge worker lost job due to knee injury”: It’s what’s known as the “bloody pocket syndrome,” where workers would rather conceal their own injuries than lose bonuses or jobs if their accident becomes official.

Posted 25 Aug 06 | Permalink | Tell a Friend

Reader comments:

I’d like to receive language-related info or newsletters.

by Miriam Luduena 31 Aug 06, 1044 GMT

I like this one. people never report it because they are worried that they will not have enough money to get by!!!!!!!!!

by courvas 31 Aug 06, 1125 GMT

Could also be called “Don’t have a union syndrome”.

by Rhonda 01 Sep 06, 0155 GMT

Thanks it just sounded right

by courvas 01 Sep 06, 0341 GMT