Recovery times for injured workers are growing longer even as workplace injury rates decline, according to a new report from Travelers.
The rising complexity of injury claims is driven by an aging workforce as well as a disproportionate vulnerability to new employees.
Travelers’ 2026 Injury Impact Report found injuries to employees aged 60 and older are more severe, carrying recovery times of 97 days—more than two weeks the overall average of 80 days. Older employees are susceptible to fractures and dislocations, which take longer to heal.
Slips, trips and falls are the leading causes of expensive injury claims (those exceeding $250,000) for all employees, but particularly those aged 60 or above, the report found. Approximately 40% of all injuries to older employees are the result of slips, trips and falls.
On the other end of the workforce, first-year employees generate more than one third of all injuries despite accounting for a smaller share of the workforce. New employees represent approximately half of all injuries in restaurants, 46% in small businesses and 44% in construction.
“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.”
The report analyzed more than 1.2 million workers compensation claims Travelers received between 2021 and 2025. The findings were based solely on indemnity claims, which occur when an employee can’t immediately return to work and incurs medical expenses.
Employees in the 35-49 age group accounted for 31% of injuries, followed by 50-59 (24%) and 25-34 (19%).
Construction had the most lost workdays of any industry at 114 days. The most severe injuries in construction were spinal cord injury, amputation or severe crush injury, traumatic brain injury and severe burns.
First-year injuries drove 47% of construction compensation claim costs.
Transportation accounted for the next-highest number of lost workdays (94), followed by professional services (77) and manufacturing (76).
Travelers recommends that employers focus on three areas to improve workplace safety:
- Protect new hires by identifying workplace risks, improving safety controls and defining safe work practices.
- Support and engage employees by building a culture of trust and safety where workers feel valued and are encouraged to take part in defining the safety process.
- Prepare for injuries before they happen by implementing structured response and return-to-work plans that support employees throughout recovery.
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