Back pain that won’t go away. A shoulder that still aches weeks later. These are just a few of the most common workplace injuries affecting US residents in 2025, keeping them from doing their jobs and enjoying their lives.
In this article, we’ll cover the types of work injuries that occur most frequently, the industries with the highest injury rates, and how these injuries are affecting workers across the state. With insights from the Philadelphia workers’ compensation law firm of Pearson Koutcher Law, you’ll learn how to protect yourself at work—and what to do if you’re injured on the job.
If you’ve been hurt at work, Pearson Koutcher Law will fight for the compensation you’re entitled to. Our workers’ comp lawyers will hold your employer accountable and work to get you the care, pay, and peace of mind you need to move forward. Call us today to discuss your case in a free consultation.
In 2023, an estimated 2.8 million workers across the U.S. suffered nonfatal workplace injuries, including sprains, fractures, and long-term musculoskeletal conditions. These injuries can impact daily life and job performance, but many workers don’t realize they may be eligible for workers’ compensation to cover medical costs and lost wages.
In Pennsylvania alone, 123,400 workers sustained job-related injuries in 2022. Many of these employees faced painful recoveries, missed paychecks, and growing medical expenses.
Workplace injuries and illnesses rose by 7.5% in 2022 compared to the previous year. This alarming increase highlights a growing need for workplace safety improvements across industries.
The most common causes of workplace injuries include:
These types of accidents are responsible for a major percentage of workers’ compensation claims, and many are entirely preventable with proper training and safety protocols.
For healthcare professionals, workplace violence is a leading cause of injury. In fact, 73% of all nonfatal injuries from violence in the U.S. in 2018 occurred in healthcare settings. Nurses, aides, and other frontline staff are frequently exposed to aggressive behavior from patients or visitors, making this sector one of the most dangerous for physical harm.
Between 2021 and 2022, there were 674,100 workplace injuries caused by slips, trips, or falls– these incidents are among the top reasons employees miss work or file injury claims.
In that same timeframe, 658,240 workers were injured due to exposure to harmful substances. This includes contact with toxic chemicals, hazardous fumes, infectious agents, or environmental contaminants, common risks in manufacturing, healthcare, and cleaning industries.
Roughly 16.7% of all workplace injuries occur when employees are struck by or caught in equipment or machinery. These injuries range from minor cuts and bruises to broken bones or even permanent disabilities.
Overexertion accounts for 31% of all occupational injuries, often resulting from repetitive lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying. These injuries primarily affect the back and shoulders and are among the most common reasons workers need time off.
Approximately 31.9 out of every 10,000 full-time workers sustain injuries due to toxic exposure. These incidents may involve skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion of harmful substances, and often occur without immediate symptoms.
Over 36% of workplace injuries that result in lost workdays involve the shoulders or back. These injuries are often caused by improper lifting, repetitive motion, or awkward posture.
Over 30% of all workplace injuries are serious enough to cause missed workdays. These absences affect productivity, mental health, and financial stability for workers and their families.
If you’ve been injured at work, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At the Philadelphia workers’ compensation law firm of Pearson Koutcher Law, we fight for the medical care, wage support, and benefits you’re entitled to. Our worker’s comp lawyers will stand up to your employer and their insurance company, so you can focus on healing and getting back on your feet.
Call us today to discuss your case in a free consultation– let us fight for the workers’ comp payout you deserve.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “EMPLOYER-REPORTED WORKPLACE INJURIES AND ILLNESSES – 2023.” https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/osh.pdf
NSC Injury Facts. “Top Work-related Injury Causes.” https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/work-overview/top-work-related-injury-causes/
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities.” https://www.bls.gov/iif/