It is particularly wage earners in the construction and civil engineering industry who are affected by the long sick leaves, according to an analysis from the Danish Trade Union Confederation's Economic Council. (File photo).
Photo: Henning Bagger/Ritzau Scanpix
One in four in physical jobs face long sick leave
Danish employees in physically demanding jobs are more prone to extended sick leaves, according to a study by Arbejderbevægelsens Erhvervsråd (AE) based on 2021 data. AE found that one in four of these workers received sick pay for over five weeks. This is significantly more than the 7.6% of workers in less demanding roles. The construction sector is notably affected. A physically taxing job involves pain, fatigue, heavy lifting, and perceived hardness. Inequality is evident, as only 1.7% of highly educated workers face such conditions. AE’s Emilie Damm Klarskov emphasizes the need for action by politicians and employers to make vocational careers with safer work environments more appealing to the younger population.