Workplace Injuries: Another Good Reason to Call in Sick on Monday
Studies dating back to 2007 show that workplace injuries occur on Monday more than any other day of the week. In 2013, there were approximately 167,000 job-related injuries reported on a Monday.
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Calling in Sick on a Monday
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Mondays are the most common day of the week for non-fatal workplace injuries and occupational illnesses. Mondays account for almost 200,000 sick days per year in the U.S. workforce. Studies show that occupational injuries occur most frequently on Mondays making up 23 percent of the weekly total. Corresponding figures for the rest of the week are 21 percent on Tuesdays; 20 percent on Wednesdays; 19 percent on Thursdays; and 17 percent on Fridays. Injury data for Saturdays and Sundays only accounts for about 5 percent.
Although many national holidays such as Labor Day and Presidents Day usually fall on a Monday, this doesn’t account for so many workers calling in sick. Some workers may schedule Monday holidays as a day off to extend their weekend, but this has no relation to the number of workers compensation claims often filed for Monday injuries and illnesses.
To deal with the high rate of Monday sick days, some employers instigate systems that highlight employees who regularly call in sick on Mondays and Fridays. Many employers see this as a way for workers to extend their weekends. According to statistics, more than 14 million workers call in sick on “Super Sick Monday”, the day after the Super Bowl each year. In many cases, employers ask workers for a doctor’s note to substantiate Monday sick days.
Filing a Workers Comp Claim
No matter which day of the week a workplace injury occurs, it’s important to file a workers compensation claim as soon as possible to receive benefits. Filing late may result in a denied claim due to the statute of limitations regulations. When a work injury occurs, a worker should notify his/her employer of the injury as soon as possible to establish grounds for a workers comp claim. The employer must then either pay benefits or deny the claim within 21 days. An employer has the responsibility of filing the first report of a worker’s injury or illness with the state Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC). If an employer does not contest the claim, the WCC will determine the award benefits. If an employer does contest the claim, a WCC hearing must be scheduled.
