The Travelers Companies' 2026 Injury Impact Report found that workplace injuries are becoming more complex and taking longer to heal, particularly among new hires and older employees.
Based on an analysis of more than 1.2 million workers' compensation claims from 2021 through 2025, the report found first-year employees accounted for 44% of construction injuries. Across all industries, new hires represented 37% of injuries and 34% of total claim costs.
Construction workers also recorded the longest average recovery time among the industries studied, missing an average of 114 workdays following an injury.
The report found employees age 60 and older experienced more severe injuries and missed an average of 97 workdays. Slips, trips and falls remained the leading cause of the most expensive workers' compensation claims across all industries, with older workers especially vulnerable.
Travelers recommends employers strengthen onboarding and safety training for new hires, encourage employee participation in safety programs and establish return-to-work plans before injuries occur.
