Common workplace accidents like slips, trips and falls and overexertion make up most workers’ compensation claim costs in the United States, according to Hartford-based insurer Travelers Cos.
Travelers’ 2024 Injury Impact Report, which assessed more than 1.2 million workers’ compensation claims made between 2017 and 2021, shows the most frequent causes of injury remain unchanged from years past: 29% of claims analyzed cited overexertion; 23% slips, trips and falls; 12% being struck by an object; 5% motor vehicle accidents; and 5% caught in or in-between hazards.
Also consistent with recent reports from Travelers, first-year employees are most at-risk for workplace accidents. Data from the 2024 Injury Impact report show first-year workers account for 35% of claims made between 2017 and 2021.
Injured workers missed an average of 72 workdays, up one day from last year, with the construction industry being on the high end of the scale with a 103 workday average, and the transportation industry at 83 workdays. Both are also up from last year.
