German Sick Pay Costs Hit €21.6 Billion as Study Warns 30 Minutes of Uninterrupted Sitting Raises Cancer Death Risk

Every extra hour spent sitting without a break increases the risk of dying from cancer by 10 percent, according to a University of Glasgow study published July 7 and 8 in PLOS Medicine. The analysis of more than 91,000 participants from the UK Biobank found that just 30 minutes of continuous sitting already elevates cancer mortality odds.

But the same research offers a straightforward countermeasure. Light physical activity cuts the risk by 12 percent, and five minutes of intense movement reduces it by 22 percent. The World Health Organization now recommends that people regularly interrupt sedentary time.

The health consequences of prolonged sitting are mirrored in Germany's rising sick-leave bill. The BKK Dachverband reported on July 7 that Krankengeld – the statutory sick pay paid after six weeks of illness – reached 21.6 billion euros. Musculoskeletal disorders and mental health conditions are the main drivers, each resulting in average absences exceeding five weeks.

Prolonged sitting and poor workstation ergonomics are hazards many employers still overlook in their formal risk assessments. A thorough assessment should document every physical risk in the workplace, from seating and screen use to manual handling and fire safety. The free Risk Assessment Toolkit provides 41 ready-to-use templates and checklists that help you build a complete, compliant safety record. Download the free Risk Assessment Toolkit

Pressure on the workforce is growing. The IFES Strukturwandelbarometer found that 73 percent of German companies view productivity increases as a central priority. At the same time, 34 percent of employees doubt they can remain in their jobs until retirement, according to the DGB-Index Gute Arbeit. In physically demanding sectors such as construction and nursing, that share ranges from 57 to 72 percent.

Industry and policymakers are responding with concrete measures. In June, the Remmers Kompetenzzentrum in Löningen opened a model workshop showcasing ergonomic solutions for skilled trades. Developed with Tischler Schreiner Deutschland, the space demonstrates how to minimise physical strain on the job.

Corporate health management programmes are also expanding. Initiatives such as fit2work offer advice on heat protection, return-to-work plans, and workplace design that supports health. These topics were a focus at the Tag der Kleinst-, Klein- und Mittelunternehmen, held at the end of June.

Technology is playing an increasing role. Samsung’s new Flip Display WMFX is a UHD touchscreen system designed for up to 20 people, with a touch latency of just 26 milliseconds. For compact workstations, ASUS introduced the ExpertCenter PN54-S1 mini-PC series – a 0.6-litre unit that can drive up to four 4K displays.

As workplaces bring in new technology and equipment, keeping health and safety documentation aligned with legal duties becomes even more essential. The free Health & Safety Toolkit gives UK businesses ready-made risk assessments, checklists and toolbox talks that cover regulations such as the Health & Safety at Work Act, COSHH and PUWER. Over 37,000 UK companies already rely on it to protect their employees and stay compliant. Get the free Health & Safety Toolkit

In industrial settings, Clas is pushing for quieter, emission-free operations. Its battery-electric wheel loader, the Torion 537e Sinus, produces only 65 dB(A) inside the cabin, significantly reducing noise exposure for operators.

The message from both research and industry is clear: technical innovation is no longer solely about raising output. It is increasingly aimed at protecting workers' health and ensuring they can keep working over the long term.

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