Travelers Report: High Injury Risks for New and Older Construction Workers

First-year employees account for 44% of construction injuries, while older workers face longer recovery times, according to a new workers' compensation analysis.

What Happened
The Travelers Companies' 2026 Injury Impact Report reveals a concerning trend in the construction industry: workplace injuries are on the rise among both new and older employees, with recovery times extending significantly. The report, based on an analysis of over 1.2 million workers' compensation claims from 2021 to 2025, highlights that first-year employees account for 44% of all construction-related injuries. Across all industries, new hires comprise 37% of injuries and contribute to 34% of total claim costs. The construction sector, in particular, sees the longest recovery periods, with workers missing an average of 114 days post-injury. Older workers, specifically those aged 60 and above, tend to experience more severe injuries and average 97 days of missed work.

Slips, trips, and falls remain the predominant causes of expensive workers' compensation claims, with older workers being especially vulnerable to these incidents. The report suggests that enhanced onboarding and safety training, along with proactive return-to-work plans, could mitigate these risks.

What This Means for Your Business
For construction industry leaders, these findings underscore the critical need to invest in robust safety training and comprehensive onboarding processes for new employees. By focusing on these areas, companies can not only reduce the frequency of injuries but also manage claim costs more effectively. Implementing structured return-to-work programs can help in minimizing downtime and maintaining productivity. Furthermore, addressing the specific vulnerabilities of both new and older workers can enhance overall workplace safety, potentially leading to a decrease in insurance premiums and improved ROI.

Compliance officers should note the importance of adhering to safety regulations and consider integrating innovative safety technologies to monitor and prevent workplace accidents. With federal attention increasingly focused on workplace safety, aligning with standards can also position companies favorably for government contracts.

What US Operators Should Watch
Construction firms should keep an eye on upcoming regulations and compliance deadlines that could impact safety and operational protocols. Monitoring industry trends and investing in continuous safety education will be crucial as the landscape evolves. Businesses should also be prepared for potential changes in workers' compensation policies, which could influence financial planning and workforce management strategies.

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Source: ForConstructionPros. Read the original story ->