JOIN THE COMMUNITY
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the lastest industry news and resources delivered straight to your inbox.
Let us know your interests:
Preferred language

Which construction workplace injuries cost companies the most?

Workplace safety protocols are constantly becoming more stringent, but every year, work-related injuries and illnesses combined across U.S. businesses cost billions in losses. Overexertion, falls, and transportation injuries are just a few types of injuries that rack up worker’s compensation bills. 

Here are 6 of the most common and expensive workplace injuries.

Overexertion

Overall share: 21.53%

Cost: $12.49B per year

Most at-risk industries: Transportation and Warehousing

Overexertion is the most common worker injury claim in the U.S. These types of injuries often arise when excessive strain on the body is repeatedly required. Lifting heavy loads, heavy twisting movements, or repeated lifting and carrying can all lead to overexertion. If there’s equipment or a technique to reduce these types of physical strain on the job, it should be utilized. 

Falls on the same level

Overall share: 17.22%

Cost: $9.99B per year

Most at-risk industries: Transportation, Warehousing, and Agriculture

Falls on the same level could happen in any industry, especially if there’s little regard for unattended spills. Wet floors are the biggest warning sign of potential fall injuries, so proper cleanup and PPE are crucial for any on-site team. Ensuring a clean work area and pre-design planning can also reduce the number of trips and falls.

Falls to a lower level

Overall share: 9.79%

Cost: $5.68B per year

Most at-risk industries: Transportation, Warehousing, and Agriculture

Falls to a lower level, while more dangerous than falls on the same level, are less frequent. This is due to heavier safety precautions and more active prevention. Ladder safety, harnesses, guardrails, and marked-off areas where a fall to a lower level can occur are more common practices, leading to fewer overall claims.

Contact with equipment and objects

Overall share: 9.56%

Cost: $5.55B per year

Most at-risk industries: Any industry with heavy operating equipment

This category broadly includes being struck, squeezed, or pinched by equipment, whether that action is performed by the worker or the machinery. Additionally, friction, pressure, or vibration between the injured and the source of the injury are included. 

A warning sign that a worker might be at risk for this type of injury includes unsecured racks and equipment and improperly warning-labeled machinery. 

Awkward exertions or bodily reactions

Overall share: 6.34%

Cost: $3.68B 

Most at-risk industries: Transportation and Warehousing

Improper form when moving on the job can lead to awkward exertion injuries. Unnatural lifting, twisting, climbing, and other uncommon movements may cause muscle strains or bone cracks. Climbing in and out of company vehicles can also cause injuries from a painful bodily reaction. 

Transportation injuries

Overall share: 4.75%

Cost: $2.76B

Most at-risk industries: Any industry that requires workers to operate a vehicle

This category includes all types of vehicles, including aircraft, water, and railway vehicles, as well as all roadway and non-roadway vehicles. Additionally, if someone submits an injury claim due to working with an animal for transport, it would fall under this category. 

Texting while driving is the most common reason a claim is filed in this category. 

The cost of workplace injuries

According to the Workplace Safety Index, the total cost of worker’s compensation claims was $58 billion, averaging more than $1 billion each week. 

Trauma to the head and neck consistently ranks at the top of the list of body areas that need the most costly coverage. Because they are fragile, proper PPE should be worn, and resources on head and neck exertion should be available to everyone on the job site. 

The bottom line

Safety stats in the workplace ebb and flow. Equipment evolves to become safer, and better standards are introduced. Still, new hazards like cell phones and smartwatches continue to present themselves, creating a never-ending cycle of distraction and damage. 

35% of all injury claims are from workers with less than one year on the job. Proper safety training and resources are crucial, and it’s important that each worker abide by them. 

Organizations should also routinely involve a qualified risk control consultant to ensure each site meets safety compliance standards. 

Like what you read? For more news, announcements, and coverage of what’s happening in and around the trades, subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

6 comments

Share Your Thoughts

Why construction workers should use magnesium lotion

July 12, 2025

Magnesium lotion can ease muscle pain, speed up recovery, and help you sleep better after a hard day’s work.

Read more

The top 7 home design features for kids

July 11, 2025

Kid-friendly spaces are about functionality and flexibility. For a design that works for all, use interactive walls, stair runners, and kid’s storage.

Read more

Affordable housing projects underway in Canada (2025-2027)

July 11, 2025

Canada has several large affordable housing projects underway in 2025. Current projects include Naut’sa Mawt, Hart Road, and Blatchford.

Read more

10 Makita tools that are actually worth the money

July 11, 2025

Which Makita tools are worth the price tag? The High Torque Impact Wrench, the 18V LXT Random Orbit Polisher make our list.

Read more