Uninsured Workers: Sick Leave Isn’t Enough – New Study
- While earned sick leave policies are growing across the U.S., a new study indicates they aren't enough to ensure worker wellbeing, notably for uninsured and undocumented workers.
- The study, published in Safety and Health at Work, examined the impact of earned sick leave laws on reported occupational illnesses and injuries.
- Le, Ph.D., an occupational health and safety researcher, explained that states implementing earned sick leave before 2019 saw a slight increase in reported illnesses and injuries.
Uninsured workers are not fully benefiting from earned sick leave, according to a new study. This investigation reveals that while sick leave policies are expanding, they are insufficient for ensuring overall worker wellbeing, and this is especially true for the uninsured. The study, conducted by researchers at Texas A&M University, indicates the need for broader strategies like increased insurance access to truly protect employee health. Mandatory sick leave can increase the reporting of illnesses and injuries; however, the research also highlights the secondary_keyword role of unions in guaranteeing these benefits. Discover how News Directory 3 is covering this critical study and what it means for the future of occupational health and safety,especially in high-risk sectors. Discover what’s next to improve worker conditions.
Earned Sick Leave Alone Insufficient for Uninsured Workers, Study Finds
Updated June 13, 2025
While earned sick leave policies are growing across the U.S., a new study indicates they aren’t enough to ensure worker wellbeing, notably for uninsured and undocumented workers. Researchers at Texas A&M University found that while mandatory sick leave can increase reporting of injuries and illnesses, it doesn’t necessarily translate to better care for all.
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain
The study, published in Safety and Health at Work, examined the impact of earned sick leave laws on reported occupational illnesses and injuries. Hannah I. Rochford, Ph.D., a health policy expert, noted the importance of understanding how these policies affect various industries. She suggested that in high-risk sectors, earned sick leave could encourage workers to seek treatment and prevent long-term musculoskeletal disorders.
Aurora B. Le, Ph.D., an occupational health and safety researcher, explained that states implementing earned sick leave before 2019 saw a slight increase in reported illnesses and injuries. This suggests workers felt more secure reporting issues without fear of retaliation.
However, the benefits didn’t extend to everyone. Uninsured workers and those facing social or legal barriers, such as undocumented immigrants, didn’t appear to gain the same advantages from the policies.
“Earned sick leave policies alone are necessary but not sufficient to advance worker health,” Rochford said.
The study also highlighted the role of unions. Employees in unions were reportedly 10% more likely to have earned sick leave. Le noted that declining union membership reduces workers’ bargaining power for such policies.
Le added, “Male workers in high-risk industries like construction, agriculture and transportation face higher rates of illness or injury than their female counterparts, and this may desensitize them to frequent illnesses or injuries and the need to take time off.”
What’s next
Researchers emphasize the need for broader strategies to improve worker health, including increased insurance access and resources for undocumented workers regarding their rights.