Injury leave: Overview, definition, and example
What is injury leave?
Injury leave is a type of leave granted to employees who are unable to work due to an injury sustained either on the job or in their personal life. It allows the employee to take time off from work to recover from their injury without losing pay or benefits. Injury leave policies can vary depending on the company, industry, or jurisdiction, and may be part of workers' compensation or specific company benefits.
For example, if an employee injures their back at work, they may be entitled to take injury leave while they undergo treatment and recover.
Why is injury leave important?
Injury leave is important because it ensures that employees have the time and resources needed to recover from an injury without facing financial hardship. It supports employee well-being by recognizing that they may need time off to heal, and it helps companies retain workers by offering this benefit. Injury leave also helps employers comply with legal requirements related to worker safety and compensation, such as those mandated by workers’ compensation laws.
For employees, it ensures they are not penalized for taking necessary time off to recover from an injury, promoting a healthier, more productive workforce.
Understanding injury leave through an example
Imagine an employee working at a construction site who suffers a minor injury while on the job. The employee is unable to return to work immediately and is granted injury leave for two weeks to recover. During this period, the employee continues to receive their regular salary or a portion of it, depending on the company’s injury leave policy or workers' compensation benefits.
In another example, an office worker twists their ankle outside of work. They might request injury leave for a few days to rest and heal, and the company agrees to provide the time off as part of their injury leave policy.
An example of an injury leave clause
Here’s how an injury leave clause might appear in an employee handbook or contract:
“An employee who sustains a work-related injury is entitled to injury leave, which will be granted for the duration of the recovery period as determined by a licensed medical professional. The employee will continue to receive their regular compensation during this leave in accordance with the Company’s Injury Leave Policy.”
Conclusion
Injury leave is a critical benefit for employees who need time off to recover from an injury. It ensures that employees can focus on healing without the added stress of losing income, while also complying with workplace safety and compensation laws. For businesses, offering injury leave helps support employee retention, loyalty, and legal compliance, contributing to a positive and healthy work environment.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.