A new report shows the five most common workplace injuries causing the majority of U.S. workers’ compensation claims. The study also found that newer employees – those with less than a year under their belt – account for over one-third of all claims.
For its 2024 Injury Impact Report, Travelers, analyzed over 1.2 million U.S. workers’ compensation claims from 2017 to 2021. The data reveals employee injury trends and their significant impact on several industries.
The most frequent causes of injury and related costs
The report found that the most frequent causes of injury across accident-prone U.S. industries were:
- Overexertion – 29%
- Slips, trips and falls – 23%
- Getting struck by an object – 12%
- Motor vehicle accidents – 5%
- Caught-in or caught-between hazards – 5%
Based on factors such as lost workdays and frequency, the report listed the top five causes of claims at $250,000 or more:
- Slips, trips and falls
- Overexertion
- Getting struck by an object
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Caught-in or caught-between hazards
Workplace injuries can lead to long-term and, sometimes, permanent employee losses. Injuries of this kind highlight the need for companies to improve their risk management and safety strategies.
Workers must diligently protect their rights
Some companies may resort to underreporting injury severity to lower insurance payouts. Insurers typically try to deny or reduce benefits to protect their bottom lines. While these tactics reduce the financial impact on those entities, employees are deprived of the compensation and care they deserve.
If you suspect your employer of safety negligence or a lowball compensation offer, consult an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer. They can help you pursue compliance with safety regulations and determine fair compensation.
