Workplace injury rates may be declining, but the injuries that do occur are growing more complex and taking longer to heal, according to a new report from The Travelers Companies, Inc.
The insurer’s 2026 Injury Impact Report draws on an analysis of more than 1.2 million workers’ compensation claims received between 2021 and 2025. The report points to two groups driving the trend: an aging workforce and employees in their first year on the job.
Injured workers miss an average of 80 workdays, according to the report. Claude Howard, vice president of workers’ compensation claim at Travelers, said the findings underscore the need for continued vigilance despite overall improvements.
“The decrease in workplace injuries is a positive story, yet injured workers are still missing an average of 80 workdays,” Howard said. “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.”
Employees aged 60 and older account for 16% of all lost-time claims. Their injuries tend to be more severe, including higher rates of fractures and dislocations, and their recovery periods reflect that, averaging approximately 97 missed workdays, or 17 more than the overall average. Slips, trips, and falls are the leading cause of injury for this age group, making up roughly 39% of their claims – about 15 percentage points higher than all other age groups.
First-year employees present a separate but equally significant concern. Despite making up a smaller share of the total workforce, they 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. The pattern is most pronounced in restaurants, where new employees represent 51% of injuries, followed by small businesses at 46% and construction at 44%.
Lost workdays also vary widely by industry. Construction workers miss the most time, at an average of 114 days, followed by transportation at 94 days, professional services at 77 days, and manufacturing at 76 days. Employees at small businesses miss an average of 86 workdays per injury – six more than the overall average.
Chris Hayes, assistant vice president of workers’ compensation, risk control at Travelers, emphasized that most workplace accidents are preventable.
“The majority of workplace accidents can be prevented,” Hayes said. “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.”
Travelers recommends employers focus on protecting new hires, building a culture of safety, and establishing structured return-to-work plans ahead of any injury.
