The 2026 Injury Impact Report from The Travelers Cos. shows workplace injury rates are falling; however, injuries are “growing more complex and taking longer to heal,” according to Safety+Health magazine.
Using data from more than 1.2 million workers’ compensation claims submitted from various businesses and industries during 2021-25, researchers found despite the improved injury rate, injured workers are missing an average of 80 workdays.
According to the report, injured construction workers missed an average of 114 workdays; injured transportation workers missed an average of 94 days; workers in professional services missed an average of 77 days; and manufacturing workers missed an average of 76 days.
Researchers said an aging workforce and the “disproportionate vulnerability of first-year employees” are main contributors to the issue.
Other findings from the report include the following.
- Injured employees at small businesses missed an average of 86 days.
- Workers 60 and older represented 16% of all lost-time claims and missed an average of 97 days.
- First-year employees accounted for about 37% of the injuries and 34% of overall claims costs.
- First-year employees accounted for 46% of injuries at small businesses and 44% in construction.
Check out some tips for how employers can reduce injury risk for new employees.
Also, NRCA offers health and safety resources to protect your workers from hazards on the job. Learn more.
