Earned Sick Leave Policies Increase Injury Reporting but Fall Short for Uninsured Workers, Study Finds

A recent study published in Safety and Health at Work reveals that earned sick leave policies have led to higher reporting of workplace injuries and illnesses, particularly in high-risk industries. However, the benefits do not extend to uninsured or undocumented workers, highlighting gaps in policy effectiveness. The research, conducted by experts from Texas A&M University, underscores the need for complementary strategies to improve worker well-being.

The study, led by health policy researcher Hannah I. Rochford, PhD, and occupational safety expert Aurora B. Le, PhD, analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Temple University’s Law Atlas. They focused on states that implemented earned sick leave policies before 2019, excluding those affected by COVID-19 disruptions.

Key findings showed a marginal increase in injury and illness reporting after policy adoption, suggesting workers felt safer disclosing conditions without fear of retaliation. However, uninsured and undocumented employees saw no significant improvement, often due to financial or social barriers. For example, male workers in high-risk sectors like construction or agriculture were less likely to use sick leave, while unionized workers had 10% greater access to such benefits.

Le noted that corporate opposition to unions and “right-to-work” laws further eroded the bargaining power of non-unionized workers. Rochford emphasized that earned sick leave alone cannot address systemic issues: “Strategies like expanding insurance access and worker education are critical,” she said.

“Earned sick leave policies are necessary but not sufficient to advance worker health,” said Rochford. Le added, “Undocumented workers may avoid using sick leave to avoid drawing attention, perpetuating health disparities.”

While earned sick leave policies encourage transparency in workplace health reporting, their impact is uneven. The study calls for broader reforms, including healthcare access and targeted education, to ensure all workers benefit equitably. Future research will explore industry-specific interventions to bridge these gaps.