How much sick leave is work-related?

BACKGROUND Sick leave is a topical subject, particularly following the revision of the Agreement on a More Inclusive Working Life (the IA agreement). However, there has been little discussion about the extent to which sick leave may be related to work. MATERIAL AND METHODS The paper is based on a non-systematic literature search using PubMed combined with personal research and experience. RESULTS Various studies indicate that a significant proportion of all sick leaves may be due to illness caused by working conditions. Heavy physical work, awkward work postures and low job control are particularly important factors. People who suffer from work-related illnesses have a greater need for absence from work than people with similar illnesses caused by factors other than their work. Workplace interventions designed to prevent work-related illness may also prevent sick leave. Sick leaves which are due to an imbalance between an individual's resources and his/her job demands, may often be prevented or shortened by workplace interventions, irrespective of what causes the imbalance. INTERPRETATION It is my view that more importance should be attached to primary preventive measures to reduce work-related illness, combined with workplace interventions to accommodate people who carry a higher risk of sick leave. However, this is not given sufficient attention in the current IA agreement.