Report: Workplace Injuries Fall, Recovery Times Increase

A new report from Travelers uncovers a trend employers can’t afford to overlook—workplace injuries are becoming less frequent, while growing more complicated and taking longer to heal.  

Travelers’ 2026 Injury Impact Report analyzed more than 1.2 million workers’ compensation claims filed between 2021 and 2025.  

The findings point to a shifting risk landscape shaped by an aging workforce and a steady influx of new employees who are experiencing injuries at disproportionate rates. 

“The decrease in workplace injuries is a positive story, yet injured workers are still missing an average of 80 workdays,” said Claude Howard, Travelers vice president of workers’ compensation claims.  

“This report is a reminder that progress doesn’t mean the risk environment requires any less attention, and an employer’s commitment to safety must keep pace with an ever-evolving workforce and injury landscape.” 

Longer Recoveries  

Lost productivity, higher claim costs, and longer return-to-work timelines are becoming increasingly challenging for businesses already grappling with labor shortages.  

Older workers are a key part of the story.  

Employees aged 60 and above account for 16% of all lost-time claims. 

Researchers said employees aged 60 and above account for 16% of all lost-time claims. 

Fractures and dislocations are more common in this group, conditions that often require extended recovery periods.  

Researches said on average, older employees miss about 97 workdays after an injury, 17 days longer than the overall average. 

Inexperience Drives Risk 

At the other end of the spectrum, new hires are emerging as a significant source of risk. 

Researchers said first-year employees represent roughly 37% of all injuries, despite making up a smaller share of the workforce.  

First-year employees represent roughly 37% of all injuries.

They also drive 34% of total claim costs, contributing to more than five million missed workdays over the five-year period. 

Certain industries underscore that imbalance.  

New workers account for more than half of injuries in restaurants, nearly half in small businesses, and 44% in construction.  

Operational Impact  

Industry differences also show up in recovery times.  

Construction workers experience the longest average absences at 114 days, followed by transportation at 94 days.  

Professional services and manufacturing report somewhat shorter recovery periods, at 77 days and 76 days, respectively.  

These are sectors where onboarding, training, and supervision can directly affect safety outcomes. 

Employees at small businesses miss an average of 86 workdays per injury, underscoring how much even a single absence can disrupt operations. 

Across all sectors, researchers said slips, trips, and falls continues to stand out.  

These incidents rank among the leading causes of the most expensive claims, often exceeding $250,000. 

For workers aged 60 and older, they are the top cause of injury, accounting for about 39% of claims, significantly higher than in younger groups. 

The findings carry practical implications for executives, risk managers, and HR leaders. 

Recommendations  

Travelers recommends employers double down on creating a culture of safety.  

“The majority of workplace accidents can be prevented,” said Travelers assistant vice president of workers’ compensation Chris Hayes. 

“Getting ahead of the risks isn’t just good safety practice; it’s one of the most meaningful things an employer can do to protect and support their people.” 

“Getting ahead of the risks isn’t just good safety practice; it’s one of the most meaningful things an employer can do.” 

Travelers’ Chris Hayes

Hayes said employers should focus on three areas, starting with protecting new hires by identifying workplace risks.

Employers should also engage employees by building trust and encouraging them to take part in defining the safety process and prepare for injuries before they happen by implementing structured response and return-to-work plans.  

Overall, the report makes it clear that fewer accidents don’t necessarily mean less risk. The evolving workforce is changing and businesses need to respond.