First-Year Workers’ Compensation Injuries
Recent data continues to highlight the risks faced by first-year employees. According to the 2024 Injury Impact Report, 35% of workplace injuries still occur within an employee’s first year. This underscores the importance of proper onboarding and safety training.
Most Common and Costliest Claims
The leading causes of first-year injuries remain overexertion (27%), slips, trips, and falls (22%), and being struck by an object (14%). The most expensive claims—though only 8% of total cases—account for 26% of total costs and include amputations, multiple traumas, and electric shocks.
Industries Most Affected
The restaurant industry continues to report the highest percentage of first-year injuries, with 53% of claims involving new workers. The construction sector follows closely, where nearly half of all claims come from employees in their first year, contributing to 52% of total claim costs.
Missed Workdays
First-year injuries have led to over 6 million lost workdays in recent years, making up 37% of all lost days. Construction workers experience the longest recovery times, averaging 98 missed days, followed by transportation workers (88 days) and service industry employees (69 days).
These findings emphasize the need for enhanced workplace safety measures, particularly for new employees. Employers can mitigate risks through comprehensive training programs and proactive safety policies.
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First-Year Workers’ Compensation Injuries
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