Travelers Report Reveals Longer Recovery Times Despite Drop in Workplace Injuries
Event summary
- Travelers analyzed 1.2M workers compensation claims from 2021–2025, finding declining injury rates but longer recovery times.
- Employees 60+ represent 16% of lost-time claims, missing 97 days on average—17 more than the overall average of 80 days.
- First-year employees account for 37% of all injuries and 34% of claim costs, with sectors like restaurants (51%) and construction (44%) most affected.
- Slips, trips, and falls are the top cause of costly claims (>$250K), especially for older workers (39% of their claims).
- Travelers recommends targeted safety measures for new hires, employee engagement, and structured return-to-work plans.
The big picture
Travelers' report highlights a paradox in workplace safety: while injury rates decline, the complexity and cost of claims are rising due to demographic shifts. This trend underscores the need for insurers and employers to adapt safety protocols to an aging workforce and high-turnover industries. The findings come as the insurance sector faces increasing pressure to balance cost efficiency with comprehensive risk mitigation.
What we're watching
- Aging Workforce Impact
- How the growing share of older workers will affect claim severity and recovery times across industries.
- New Hire Safety
- Whether targeted safety programs for first-year employees can reduce their outsized share of injuries.
- Industry-Specific Risks
- The pace at which high-risk sectors like construction and transportation adopt preventive measures.
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