If, on the basis of the evidence above, it is argued that ESI decreases worker absenteeism, which of the following, if true, would most seriously weaken that argument?
- Results similar to those cited for the manufacturing sector have been found in other sectors of the economy where ESI is offered.
- At companies that offer ESI, employees have access to preventative health care such as regular check-ups, routine laboratory tests, and nutrition counseling.
- Because initiating an ESI plan requires a lot of paperwork for the company, employees, and the insurance provider, doing so is complex and time-consuming.
- Many firms in the manufacturing sector have improved workplace safety and decreased the occurrence of on-the-job injuries in the last five years, and most of these companies introduced ESI at the same time.
- In manufacturing firms where ESI is offered, the average productivity is 2% higher than it is in those firms where workers are not covered by an ESI plan.
Source: MGMAT
OA: [spoiler](D)[/spoiler]
OE against [spoiler](B)[/spoiler]: If workers have access to preventative health care as a result of the ESI plan, they might be healthier and would miss fewer days of work due to illness. This point supports the argument.
OE for [spoiler](D)[/spoiler]: Many firms in the manufacturing sector have improved workplace safety and decreased the occurrence of on-the-job injuries in the last five years, and most of these companies introduced ESI at the same time.
My doubt: The options never said that health care access is a result or prerequisite of the companies opting for ESI. The companies may have these facilities like any other. In that case, ESI does not play any role in decreasing absenteeism. So, on the basis of the given information, can we eliminate (B) properly? Please provide your own reasoning.