Injury Rate Declines, But Healing Takes Longer

The good news is that injuries are declining. The not-so-good news is that it's taking longer for people to heal. This is according to a new survey from insurance company Travelers.

The reason for the longer healing time is both the aging workforce and the disproportionate vulnerability of first-year employees. 

 The 2026 Injury Impact Report is an analysis of more than 1.2 million workers' compensation claims received by the company from 2021 through 2025. 

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

“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.”

The Data Behind the Changing Workforce

Injuries involving employees aged 60 and older account for 16% of all lost-time claims.

Their injuries are also more severe, with higher rates of fractures and dislocations, both of which typically require longer recovery times. When injured, these employees miss approximately 97 days – 17 more than the overall average of 80 days.

Despite representing a much smaller share of the total workforce, first-year employees account for approximately 37% of all injuries and 34% of overall claim costs, generating more than 5 million missed workdays over the five-year period.

That pattern is even more pronounced in certain sectors, with new employees representing an outsized share of injuries in restaurants (51%), small businesses (46%) and construction (44%).

Employees at small businesses, which are already operating with leaner teams, miss an average of 86 workdays per injury – six more than the overall average.

A Common Hazard With Growing Consequences

Slips, trips and falls rank among the leading causes of the costliest claims – those exceeding $250,000 – across every industry segment analyzed.

As workforce demographics shift, the consequences of these persistent hazards are becoming more significant. For employees 60 and older, slips, trips and falls are the top cause of injury, accounting for approximately 39% of their claims – roughly 15 percentage points higher than all other age groups.

What Employers Can Do

Travelers recommends that employers focus on three areas to strengthen the culture of safety in their businesses:

• Protect new hires by identifying workplace risks, improving safety controls and defining safe work practices.
• Support and engage employees by building a culture of trust and safety where workers feel valued and are encouraged to take part in defining the safety process.
• Prepare for injuries before they happen by implementing structured response and return-to-work plans that support employees throughout recovery.

“The majority of workplace accidents can be prevented,” said Chris Hayes, assistant vice president of Workers Compensation, Risk Control, at Travelers, in a statement. “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.”