Employee Injury Trends in Small Business [Infographic]
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a steady stream of challenges for small business owners focused on maintaining operations as they continue to adapt to repeated disruptions, such as labor shortages and supply chain backups. In many cases, these issues have increased the likelihood of small business employees handling multiple roles at once, which can lead to burnout or injury.
INJURY IMPACT REPORT
Employee Injury Trends in SMALL BUSINESS
Top five most frequent causes of injury across all small business workers:
30% Slips, trips and falls
19% Overexertion
11% Struck by an object
8% Cuts and punctures
6% Motor vehicle accidents
Average number of days small business employees missed due to a workplace injury: 76.
Top five most common resulting injuries:
30% Strains and sprains
16% Fractures
9% Cuts and puncture wounds
7% Contusions
7% Dislocations
First-year employees represented 38% of all small business workers compensation claims and 39% of claim costs.
All data included is Travelers indemnity claim data, in accident years 2015-19. Zero-dollar claims excluded. Valued Dec. 31, 2020. Losses are unlimited and undeveloped. Unless otherwise noted, data points highlighted in this infographic represent claims across all small business employees.
The Travelers Indemnity Company and its property casualty affiliates. One Tower Square, Hartford, CT 06183
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M-18602 New 3-22
Having an employee out of work for even one day due to injury or illness can have a significant effect on a small business and its ability to operate. According to Travelers data, the newest employees are the most vulnerable, with 38% of workers compensation claims from small businesses involving employees with less than one year in their role.
Small business owners can take action to help protect their employees and reduce the likelihood of an injury. This can include providing onboarding and training for new employees, reviewing safety policies and procedures regularly with existing workers and leading by example to help reinforce best practices.
Learn more about how Travelers can help small business owners protect their businesses.
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