38 per cent of construction workers recently surveyed had taken time off work because of a major injury while doing their job, compared to an average of just 19 per cent. The only industry to rank higher is transport at 47 per cent. In fact 30 per cent of construction workers have been off work for a month or more.

The research, commissioned by family focussed insurance company There, found that out of the 20 industries researched, construction was the 4th highest at viewing illness and time off work as a sign of weakness.

So much so that 43 per cent of workers have needed a sick day but felt unable to take one as their boss wouldn’t understand. The same number experience guilt at taking time off for being poorly or injured.

Philippa McLaglen, Marketing Manager from There explains: “Our research shows that construction is a hard working industry that feels the pressure when having to take time off work and doesn’t do so lightly.”

40 per cent of workers dread having to make the call to their boss to tell them they are sick. A quarter admit to putting on a ‘sick voice’ if ringing in to get the day off work.

And more than a quarter (27 per cent) admit to getting their parent or partner to phone in sick on their behalf.

Workers typically take 2.8 sick days a year, fairly close to the average of 2.5. This ranks construction as 10th for the number of sick days taken.

Flu and stomach bugs are the most likely causes of time off. Interestingly construction workers are least likely to take time off for headaches or migraines (just 6 per cent) which is a stark contrast to the voluntary and healthcare sectors where 28 per cent of respondents take time off work for this complaint.

AVERAGE SICK DAYS TAKEN PER YEAR ACROSS INDUSTRIES

Leisure, Cultural and Sporting Activities

3.8

Agriculture

3.7

Research

3.44

Telecoms

3.35

Marketing (e.g. Marketing Consultancy, Advertising, PR)

3.2

Education (Teachers, lecturers)

3.17

Health (Nurses, GPs, social workers)

3.09

Design (e.g. Fashion, Graphic Design, Product Design)

3.05

Media and Publishing

3.01

Construction

2.8

Finance (e.g. Banking, Insurance, Accountancy)

2.72

Computing, Electronics

2.72

Environmental Services (e.g. Sustainability, Recycling, Alternative Energy)

2.71

Government, Public Services

2.63

Engineering

2.52

Travel and Tourism

2.5

Utilities (e.g. Gas, Electricity etc)

2.44

Entertainment (e.g. Music, Film, Theatre)

2.32

Hospitality (e.g. Accommodation, Restaurants, Fast Food)

2.23

Retail

2.2

Transport and Distribution

1.94

Legal

1.9

Voluntary Sector (e.g. Charities, Membership Organisations)

1.87

Property

1.73

Industry (e.g. Manufacturing, Heavy Industry)

1.59