Illinois Roofing Practice Exam

Which of the following results in the most lost workdays?

1. Minor cut on the finger

2. Back injury

3. Sprained ankle

4. Slight headache

The correct answer is: Back injury

The most lost workdays result from a back injury due to several factors associated with the severity and complexity of such injuries. Back injuries can lead to significant pain, reduced mobility, and even chronic issues that require long-term rehabilitation and medical care. The nature of back pain often disrupts an individual's ability to perform both physical tasks and general daily activities, which directly impacts their capacity to work. This makes recovery time longer compared to more minor injuries. In contrast, minor cuts, sprained ankles, and slight headaches generally result in shorter recovery times and less severe consequences on a person's ability to perform job duties. While these injuries can also lead to some lost workdays, they typically do not approach the extended recovery periods associated with serious back injuries. Thus, back injuries are recognized as one of the leading causes of lost workdays in various occupational environments.