90% of tradespeople have gone to work while injured or ill

A new survey has revealed that a huge majority of construction workers have carried on working while ill or injured, with many saying they’ve done so because of financial pressures.

Lack of sick pay keeps tradesmen on site

Of those surveyed, 90 per cent said they’d gone to work when they were too unwell to complete their work to a high enough standard.

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Almost half of the workers polled said that they avoided taking days off because their self-employed status meant that they weren’t entitled to sick pay.

Another 21 per cent said that they weren’t sure of the rules relating to sick pay.

While most employees are entitled to some sick pay and holiday pay under the law, self-employed workers and contractors don’t enjoy the same rights.

Other survey respondents, as reported by popular viral site onthetools.tv, said that they were concerned that they’d lose their jobs if they took time off.

Does more need to be done to protect tradespeople?

The survey results come after construction firm Balfour Beatty were fined as a bricklayer was left hospitalised following an injury on site.

Balfour Beatty face a fine of over £200k after a floor collapsed, with the Health and Safety Executive adding: “It is vital that companies follow design instructions and ensure that structures are stable.”

What measures can tradespeople take to stay safe on site?

• Make sure you’re up-to-date with health and safety training. To get your CSCS card you’ll need to have completed a health and safety test.
• Ensure you have the right tools, equipment and clothing for the job you’re doing, including steel-toe boots and a hard hat if necessary. Speak to the site foreman if you have concerns.
• Consider taking out personal accident insurance, which can pay out if you’re seriously injured or killed. If you suffer a serious injury (whether at work or not) this cover can pay for things like lost income and medical costs, up to the policy limit.
• Go to the Citizens Advice website to find out about employment rights and who is entitled to them.

Do you take days off work if you’re not feeling up to it? Tell us in the comments.