New Employees Account for Large Share of Workplace Injuries

A significant share of overall workplace injuries occur during new employees’ first year on the job, according to a recent study.

The report by Travelers Cos., Inc. found that over a five-year period, injuries to new employees accounted for 35% of all workplace injuries. These injuries resulted in more than 6 million lost workdays, accounting for 37% of all lost workdays during the period.

First-year injuries were especially prevalent in four industries. They comprised:

• 53% of claims and 47% of claim costs in restaurants,
• 48% of claims and 52% of claim costs in construction,
• 43% of claims and 38% of claim costs in services, and
• 39% of claims and 41% of claim costs in transportation.

New Employees Account for Large Share of Workplace Injuries