The Travelers Companies, Inc. recently released its 2026 Injury Impact Report, which analyzed more than 1.2 million workers’ compensation claims filed between 2021 and 2025. Although workplace injury rates continue to decline, the report found that injuries are becoming more complex and recovery times are growing longer.
According to Travelers, changes in workforce demographics are contributing to the trend. Specifically, the report highlights the impact of an aging workforce and the increased vulnerability of first-year employees.
“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 Claim 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.”
Aging Workforce Linked to Longer Recovery Times
The report found that employees age 60 and older account for 16% of all lost-time claims. Additionally, injuries among older employees tend to be more severe, with higher rates of fractures and dislocations. These injuries typically require longer recovery periods.
On average, injured employees age 60 and older miss approximately 97 workdays. That figure is 17 days higher than the overall average of 80 missed workdays.
Travelers also found that slips, trips, and falls are the leading cause of injury for this age group. These incidents account for approximately 39% of claims involving employees age 60 and older. That rate is roughly 15 percentage points higher than all other age groups.
First-Year Employees Represent Significant Share of Injuries
The analysis also showed that first-year employees remain disproportionately affected by workplace injuries.
Although they make up a smaller portion of the workforce, first-year employees account for approximately 37% of all injuries and 34% of overall claim costs. Over the five-year study period, these injuries resulted in more than 5 million missed workdays.
Certain industries reported even higher injury rates among new employees. According to Travelers, first-year employees represented:
- 51% of injuries in restaurants
- 46% of injuries in small businesses
- 44% of injuries in construction
Lost Workdays Vary Across Industries
The report found that recovery times vary significantly across industries. Construction workers recorded the highest average number of lost workdays at 114 days.
Other industry averages included:
- Transportation: 94 days
- Professional services: 77 days
- Manufacturing: 76 days
Additionally, employees at small businesses missed an average of 86 workdays per injury. That figure is six days higher than the overall average.
Slips, Trips, and Falls Remain a Costly Hazard
Travelers identified slips, trips, and falls as one of the leading causes of the most expensive claims across every industry segment analyzed. The report defined these high-cost claims as those exceeding $250,000.
As workforce demographics continue to shift, Travelers said the impact of these incidents is becoming more significant, particularly among older employees.
Travelers Recommends Three Key Safety Focus Areas
Based on the findings, Travelers recommended that employers focus on three primary areas to strengthen workplace safety efforts:
Protect New Hires
The company recommends identifying workplace risks, improving safety controls and clearly defining safe work practices for new employees.
Support Employee Engagement
Travelers emphasized the importance of building a workplace culture centered on trust and safety. The report noted that employees should feel valued and encouraged to participate in safety processes.
Prepare for Workplace Injuries
The report also recommends implementing structured injury response and return-to-work plans to 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. “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.”
About the Report
The 2026 Injury Impact Report analyzed more than 1.2 million workers’ compensation claims received by Travelers between 2021 and 2025. The analysis included businesses of all sizes and a variety of industries.
Travelers based its findings solely on indemnity claims involving employees who could not immediately return to work and who incurred medical costs.
The Travelers Companies, Inc. is a provider of property and casualty insurance for auto, home, and business coverage. The company reported nearly $49 billion in revenue in 2025 and employs more than 30,000 people.
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