New Employees Account For More Than A Third Of Workplace Injuries

Thirty-five percent of workplace injuries occur during a worker’s first year on the job, regardless of age or experience, according to a report released Monday by Travelers Cos. Inc.

The Hartford, Connecticut-based insurer analyzed more than 1.5 million workers compensation claims over a five-year period (2015-2019).

Some of the most common causes of injuries in the first year included overexertion, representing 27% of claims; following were slips, trips and falls (22%); being struck by an object (14%); cuts and punctures (6%); being caught in or between objects (6%); and motor vehicle accidents (6%).

The most common injuries included strains and sprains at 38% of claims; other common injuries included fractures (13%) and contusions (9%).

The most expensive claims, accounting for just 8% of total claims but 26% of total claim costs, were amputations, multiple traumas, electric shock and dislocations.