Tracking the top 10 causes of the most serious workplace injuries is worth the attention of employers. According to Liberty Mutual Insurance’s 2023 Workplace Safety Index (WSI), these injuries cost U.S. businesses more than $1 billion per week or over $58 billion annually.
- The costliest injury is overexertion, costing $12.8 billion annually. The other top 10 costliest injury causes include:
- Falls on the same level – $9 billion
- Falls to a lower level – $6 billion
- Struck by objects or equipment – $5.1 billion
- Other exertions or bodily reactions, such as awkward postures – $3.7 billion
- Exposure to harmful substances – $3.4 billion
- Vehicle crashes – $2.6 billion
- Caught in or compressed by machinery – $2 billion
- Slips, trips, or falls – $1.9 billion
- Vehicle crashes involving pedestrians – $1.6 billion
Exposure to other harmful substances and vehicle crashes involving pedestrians are on the WSI for the first time. These incidents were most often job-related, including:
- Sales and truck drivers
- Material movers
- Foodservice
- Distribution managers
- Retail salespersons
- Building cleaning and maintenance
- Protective services
The report suggests that these increased job hazards were likely due to various innovative operations introduced due to the COVID pandemic and supply chain challenges.
Our safety team is available to help members improve their safety program beyond compliance toward quality safety practices. Contact us at [email protected] to learn more.
