Workplace injuries are a persistent problem across American industries. Which industries have the most workplace injuries in the U.S.?
In 2025, agriculture, transportation, and healthcare top the list for the highest workplace injury rates, with agriculture recording an injury rate of 4.6 per 100 full-time workers. Effective safety measures and strong enforcement are crucial in reducing these injury rates and maintaining workplace safety standards.
At Scher, Bassett, and Hames, we help injured workers understand their rights and secure the compensation they deserve. Below, we provide a full breakdown of the latest injury statistics by industry and explore why certain fields remain more dangerous than others.
About Workplace Injuries and Fatal Occupational Injuries
Workplace injuries and fatal occupational injuries are a significant concern in the United States, affecting thousands of workers and their families every year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 5,283 fatal work injuries in 2023, with a fatal work injury rate of 3.5 fatalities per 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers.
The construction industry is one of the most hazardous, with a high rate of fatal occupational injuries. Workplace safety and health administration is crucial in preventing injuries and illnesses, and employers must take proactive measures to protect workers’ health. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) plays a vital role in enforcing workplace safety regulations and providing guidance on preventive measures.
How Have Workplace Injury Rates Changed in the U.S.?
Workplace injury rates have declined over the past decade, but certain industries remain significantly more hazardous than others. According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, the total nonfatal injury rate across all industries fell to 2.7 cases per 100 full-time employees in 2025—a slight improvement from 2.8 in 2023.
Despite this overall decline, high-risk sectors like agriculture and transportation have not seen equivalent progress. Workers in these industries continue to face significantly greater dangers on the job. A proactive approach, including regular safety training, hazard identification, and ergonomic assessments, is essential to further reduce workplace injury rates.
Why Are Injury Rates Higher in Certain Industries?
Injury rates are higher in physically demanding industries because of increased exposure to hazards, heavy equipment, repetitive tasks, and dangerous work environments. Jobs in agriculture, construction, and transportation often involve manual labor, vehicle operation, and work in uncontrolled outdoor environments. These industries are particularly prone to dangerous conditions, making safety a paramount concern for both employees and employers.
In contrast, industries like information technology and finance report far lower injury rates, primarily due to lower exposure to physical risks. However, in hazardous environments like construction, the need for comprehensive safety measures, including hearing protection, is crucial to ensure worker safety and health.
What Are the Most Common Types of Workplace Injuries?
According to OSHA and BLS data, the most common nonfatal workplace injuries across industries include:
- Overexertion injuries (lifting, pushing, pulling)
- Slip, trip, and fall accidents
- Contact with objects and equipment
- Exposure to harmful substances or environments
- Workplace violence (especially in healthcare and retail)
Strains and sprains are the most common injuries, particularly affecting muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Musculoskeletal injuries (strains and sprains) remain the leading cause of missed workdays.
What Job Roles Are Most Likely to Be Injured at Work?
Workers in healthcare, construction, and logistics face the highest injury rates across all U.S. occupations. The most at-risk roles include nursing assistants, truck drivers, and warehouse laborers, who are routinely exposed to lifting injuries, slips and falls, repetitive motion injuries, and hazardous materials. Collisions with equipment, like forklifts, can lead to serious injuries, emphasizing the need for adequate safety measures and training.
The table below shows the 10 occupations with the highest injury rates in 2024:
| Occupation | Injury Rate (per 100 FTE) |
|---|---|
| Nursing Assistants | 6.8 |
| Heavy Truck Drivers | 5.6 |
| Construction Laborers | 5.3 |
| Warehouse Pickers | 5.0 |
| Janitors and Cleaners | 4.8 |
| Maintenance Workers | 4.4 |
| Meatpackers | 4.2 |
| Roofers | 4.0 |
| Groundskeepers | 3.9 |
| HVAC Installers | 3.7 |
For firms like Scher, Bassett, and Hames, this data can help demonstrate to workers how common these injuries are—and how often compensation claims arise in these sectors.
Which Industries Have the Highest Workplace Injury Rates?
Visualizing injury rates by industry helps identify which sectors consistently put workers at greater risk. The chart below compares nonfatal workplace injury rates per 100 full-time employees across major U.S. industries in 2024.
Sectors like agriculture, transportation, and healthcare clearly stand out for having significantly higher injury rates compared to fields like technology or real estate, underscoring the physical demands and hazards workers face in these environments. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) plays a crucial role in researching and addressing these high injury rates.
This visual helps highlight which sectors expose workers to greater risk—and by extension, why workers’ compensation claims are so prevalent in these industries.
How Have U.S. Workplace Injury Rates Changed Over Time?
Workplace injury rates have steadily improved over the past decade, but progress has not been uniform across all industries. The chart below illustrates how the total recordable injury rate per 100 full-time employees has declined nationally from 2015 through 2025.
While the overall trend is encouraging, certain high-risk industries like agriculture, healthcare, and transportation continue to report much higher injury rates compared to the national average. Understanding these trends is crucial, and the scheduled release of the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses data provides essential insights into workplace health.
How Much Do Workplace Injuries Actually Cost Workers and Employers?
The average nonfatal workplace injury costs over $42,000 when factoring in medical bills, lost wages, and indirect employer expenses. While many workers expect coverage for medical treatment, few realize how quickly the financial burden escalates—especially if claims are delayed, denied, or underpaid. Prolonged exposure to hazards can further exacerbate these costs, leading to long-term health issues and additional financial strain.
Employers also absorb significant indirect costs, including legal fees, OSHA fines, insurance premium hikes, and lost productivity. This makes prompt, full compensation essential—not just for healing, but for staying afloat financially. Addressing health issues related to workplace hazards is crucial to mitigate these expenses and ensure worker safety.
Prevention Strategies and Regulations
Prevention strategies and regulations are essential in reducing workplace injuries and fatalities. OSHA has implemented various regulations and guidelines to ensure workplace safety, including the requirement for employers to provide safety training and personal protective equipment (PPE) to employees.
The National Safety Council also provides resources and guidance on workplace safety and health. Employers must conduct regular hazard assessments and implement control measures to mitigate risks. Additionally, employers must report all work-related injuries and illnesses to OSHA and maintain accurate records. The construction industry, in particular, must adhere to strict safety protocols, including fall protection and hazard communication standards.
How Workplace Injuries Affect Workers’ Compensation Claims
Industries with higher injury rates also tend to have higher rates of workers’ compensation claims, lost workdays, and higher insurance premiums. In fields like construction and healthcare, employers often face a steady stream of claims related to lifting injuries, falls from heights, and exposure to biohazards. It is also crucial to track nonfatal injuries to address ongoing hazards effectively.
Workers injured on the job may be entitled to compensation covering:
- Medical expenses
- Temporary or permanent disability benefits
- Vocational rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
Navigating a workers’ compensation claim successfully often requires the guidance of an experienced attorney—especially when employers or insurers try to minimize payouts. Effective enforcement of safety regulations is essential to ensure fair compensation for injured workers.
Injured at Work? Scher, Bassett, and Hames Can Help.
A serious workplace injury can disrupt your life and threaten your financial security. At Scher, Bassett, and Hames, we fight to make sure injured workers receive the full benefits they deserve under the law.
- Free Consultations
- No Fees Unless You Win
- Decades of Workers’ Compensation Experience
Call (408) 739-5300 today or visit scherandbassett.com to schedule your free case evaluation.
Get the support you need to move forward after a workplace accident.
Further Reading:
- What is the Statute of Limitations on Work Comp Claims in California?
- How Much Are California Workers’ Compensation Settlements?
- When Can You Sue for a Work-Related Injury in California?
- How Long Does It Take for a Workers Comp Settlement in California?
FAQs About Workplace Injury Rates and Claims
Which industry has the highest workplace injury rate?
How many workplace injuries happen each year?
Accurate illness rates are crucial for understanding the full scope of workplace safety and improving health outcomes.
